SK Telecom employees inspecting the ‘ScamVanguard’ technology. (Image provided by SKT)
SEOUL, April 8 (Korea Bizwire) — SK Telecom announced Tuesday the launch of a first-of-its-kind AI-powered anomaly detection service designed to combat voice phishing by integrating telecommunications and financial data. The new service has already been applied to both IBK Industrial Bank of Korea and SKT’s own AI assistant platform, A. (A dot).
The system, powered by SK Telecom’s proprietary cybersecurity engine ScamVanguard, analyzes user communications and financial activity in real time to assess phishing risk and automatically block suspicious transfers and withdrawals before they occur.
SK Telecom has enhanced ScamVanguard’s capabilities to improve the detection of bait messages and phishing attempts in text and chat. The system also uses identity verification analysis AI to flag suspicious patterns—such as fraudulent logins or attempts to authenticate using stolen personal information.
The AI security solution has received global recognition. Earlier this year, it was awarded the Best of Innovation honor in the Cybersecurity category at CES 2025 in Las Vegas and was named Best Mobile Service for Connected Consumers at the Global Mobile Awards during MWC25 in Barcelona.
Following a partnership agreement signed in September 2024, SK Telecom embedded the anomaly detection engine into IBK Bank’s fraud monitoring platform SurPASS, aimed at strengthening consumer protection.
During a two-week trial phase, IBK Bank reported that the system prevented 26 phishing attempts, saving an estimated ₩590 million (approximately $445,000) in potential financial losses.
SKT has also integrated the solution into its A. phone service. Over the past month alone, the system issued warnings on approximately 190,000 calls from suspected phishing numbers.
To address privacy concerns associated with the use of AI and personal data, SK Telecom conducted a pre-assessment with South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission and implemented stringent data protection measures prior to the service rollout.
The move highlights SK Telecom’s growing focus on using advanced AI tools to strengthen digital safety and protect consumers from the evolving threat of cybercrime.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
