[Good Job SME]⑭ AI Development Leads to Sophisticated Hacking... Integrated Security Management for SMEs and Small Business Owners

SecureLink, Endpoint Security Specialist
Detecting Malware with AI... Reducing Reinfection Rates
Targeting US Market... Aiming for 'K-Security' Leap

Gojun Yong, CEO of SecureLink.

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, hacking techniques have become increasingly sophisticated. There are cases where biometric information such as fingerprints and iris data are stolen, or even facial and voice data are copied to demand ransom. Large corporations that invest heavily in security can somewhat cope with these threats, but small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often fall victim helplessly. This is because they need to separately implement the latest security technologies for different areas such as internal networks, documents, and devices, but smaller companies lack the manpower and capital.

SecureLink, a security specialist company established in 2016, provides a service that integrates and manages security systems scattered across multiple locations into one. This can reduce costs by about 30-40% compared to purchasing and installing multiple individual security programs. Meeting Go Jun-yong, CEO of SecureLink, at their headquarters in Guro-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul, he said, "With just our security product, you can use various security functions to prevent personal information leaks, ransomware, malware, and more," adding, "Over 400 companies including SMEs, ventures, startups, and public institutions are currently using our service."

SecureLink specializes in endpoint security. Endpoints refer to the devices at the very edge connected to the network, typically physical devices such as PCs, smartphones, and tablets used by companies. Endpoints serve as the first line of defense in corporate security, and if they are not protected, attackers can eventually penetrate the network, making defense difficult. SecureLink focuses on professionally eliminating hacking risks that can occur at the forefront of security. CEO Go explained, "We have streamlined and integrated individual, heavy security engines into a single engine," and added, "All products are built on patents, and we have developed and operate our own core engine."

They are also developing and advancing technology that detects and analyzes malware using AI. By analyzing the behavioral patterns of variant ransomware with AI, they prevent hacking that general antivirus software cannot detect. Without decrypting traffic, they detect and isolate only the malware and threatening parts, achieving cost and resource savings. In February, SecureLink received a 'T3' rating from Korea Data Agency (KODATA) for this technology and obtained an investment technology evaluation report. Through this, in August, they successfully attracted investment from the 'CNT Tech-DB Dream Big Investment Association' formed by CNT Tech and DB Capital.

SecureLink's security services.

For SMEs and small business owners, once hacked, it is easy to be hacked again. This is because attackers who have succeeded in hacking identify security vulnerabilities in advance and continuously harass the company. In one plastic surgery clinic, hackers stole before-and-after photos of celebrities and personal information, then demanded a large sum of money. If information is exposed, companies may have to pay huge damages, so many SMEs often compromise with hackers at an appropriate level. CEO Go said, "One insurance company suffered from hacking and faced difficulties; even after installing the latest antivirus, our tests confirmed ransomware reinfection," adding, "By applying our AI technology and integrated solution, the reinfection rate can be significantly reduced."

SecureLink is currently undertaking various national projects. In June last year, they won an ICT solution research project from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. They are researching and developing 'IoT Smart Edge Network (IoTSEN)' technology that overcomes the shortcomings of existing blockchain and is suitable for cybersecurity, applicable to the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) fields. Last month, they were selected as one of three security suppliers in the '2023 Technology Leakage Prevention System Construction Project' hosted by the Foundation for Small and Medium Enterprises and Agriculture and Fisheries Cooperation. This project analyzes security vulnerabilities by closely examining the organization and information exchange systems of SMEs and helps build security infrastructure through customized consulting. SecureLink provides the integrated solution 'SPK' (Safe·Privacy.Keeper), which includes document security (DRM), media control (DLP), and image detection (OCR), as well as 'RansomKeeper,' which applies AI profiling technology to prevent encrypted attacks from unauthorized outsiders.

CEO Go plans to actively target overseas markets such as the United States, not just stay in Korea. He said, "There are not many proper security companies in our country, and export performance is almost nonexistent," adding, "I want to serve as a bridge to ensure that domestic security technology is recognized on the global stage."