Science ministry launches project to develop AI cybersecurity model

The science ministry on Tuesday launched a project to develop a specialized artificial intelligence model for cybersecurity. The initiative brings together a consortium led by Naver Cloud to create a deployable defense system for critical national infrastructure and industrial sites.

Minister Bae Kyung-hoon stressed that securing an independent AI security model is a strategic asset vital for national defense, even as debates over slowing AI advancement gain traction. He argued that possessing frontier AI capabilities will determine a nation's future, urging the country to pursue bold challenges rather than retreating into speed regulation.

"AI security sovereignty and securing our own AI security model as a strategic asset for national security are essential," Bae said. "Even amid recent discussions on AI speed regulation, whether a country holds frontier AI capabilities will shape its future, so we must continue bold challenges instead of slowing down."

The project aligns with the national agenda task of building a robust digital security safety system to support the AI era. Its primary goal is to rapidly develop a global-grade model capable of immediate use in actual security fields to respond directly to cyber threats.

The consortium plans to combine field data from domestic security firms with expert defense know-how to build a cyber shield ready for immediate deployment. Government support will extend across infrastructure provision, competitiveness enhancement, and the widespread adoption of the resulting technology.

Naver Cloud, acting as the lead company, committed to leveraging local expertise to produce a reliable homegrown solution. "We will combine field data from domestic security companies and expert defense know-how to create a cyber shield that can be immediately deployed to national core facilities and industrial sites," the company said.

The ministry held a briefing with business operators at the Grand Lotte Seoul on September 22 to publicly disclose the development plans, citing high domestic and international interest in cybersecurity.