Science ministry backs Naver Cloud-led AI security model project

The science ministry said Wednesday that a Naver Cloud-led consortium has begun work on an artificial intelligence model specialised for cybersecurity, aimed at deployment in national critical facilities and industrial sites.

The consortium, which brings together domestic security companies, plans to combine field data from those firms with their engineers' defensive expertise. The goal is a model that can be used immediately where attacks occur rather than one requiring further adaptation.

The project was launched at a meeting with the consortium at the Grand Lotte Seoul on Tuesday, where the companies presented their development plans. Naver Cloud, the consortium's lead company, said it aims to build a cyber shield that can be deployed directly to national critical facilities and industrial sites.

"In that context, the goal of this project is to boldly and swiftly develop a global-class model that can be used immediately at actual security sites to respond at once to the cyber threats we face," said Deputy Prime Minister and Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon.

Bae also said holding a frontier AI capability will determine a country's future, and that Korea should keep taking bold risks rather than slowing down. Securing an independent AI security model is essential as a strategic asset for national security, he said, adding that the government will work with the consortium on infrastructure support, competitiveness and the spread of the technology.

The Naver Cloud consortium was selected for the project, which carries the related national policy task of building a solid digital security system for the AI era.