Korea’s KISA and IBK Bank Forge Alliance to Bolster Cybersecurity
Table of Contents
- 1. Korea’s KISA and IBK Bank Forge Alliance to Bolster Cybersecurity
- 2. Enhanced Collaboration to Combat Sophisticated Cyberattacks
- 3. Key areas of Cooperation
- 4. Understanding the Rising Threat of Cybercrime
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions about Cybersecurity
- 6. What specific mechanisms does KISA employ to facilitate real-time threat intelligence exchange with private sector companies?
- 7. Korea Internet and Security Agency Enhances Cybersecurity Collaboration and Details Sharing
- 8. Strengthening National Cyber Defense Capabilities
- 9. new Collaborative Frameworks: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach
- 10. Enhanced Information Sharing System: Real-Time Threat Intelligence
- 11. Addressing Emerging Cyber Threats: Focus Areas
- 12. KISA’s Role in incident Response & Forensics
- 13. Benefits of Enhanced Cybersecurity Collaboration
Seoul, South Korea – September 26, 2025 – The Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) and IBK Bank today announced a strategic partnership designed to strengthen cybersecurity defenses and improve information sharing related to emerging cyber threats.
Enhanced Collaboration to Combat Sophisticated Cyberattacks
This collaboration comes as cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated and targeted, especially within the financial industry. The agreement will focus on proactive measures to preemptively address these evolving threats. Both organizations will work together to reinforce cyber threat intelligence systems, identify new vulnerabilities in financial software, and continuously share critical data.

Officials from KISA and IBK Bank commemorate the agreement to enhance cyber threat response and information sharing. (From left: Song Joon-hong, director of Information security at IBK; Chung Hee-cheol, Director of Information Security Operations; Lee Jong-hyun, Director of Information Security; and Park Byung-sam, Chief Officer of Information Protection.)
Key areas of Cooperation
The partnership will center on three core areas:
- Strengthened Information Sharing: establishing a more robust system for the rapid exchange of cyber threat intelligence.
- financial Software Vulnerability Assessments: jointly identifying and addressing weaknesses in financial software applications.
- Coordinated Response Council: Regularly convening a council to coordinate responses to significant cyber incidents.
Officials anticipate that this broadened collaborative network will raise the overall level of security and contribute to stronger cybersecurity capabilities across the nation. This proactive stance is pivotal, particularly given the increasing frequency of attacks targeting financial institutions.
Lee Dong-geun, Head of KISA’s Digital Threats Division, emphasized the importance of close collaboration and information sharing in effectively responding to borderless cyberattacks. “active response requires seamless information exchange and cooperative efforts,” he stated.
According to a recent report by Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cost of cybercrime is projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This partnership represents a crucial step in mitigating these risks within the South Korean financial landscape.
| Area of Cooperation | Description |
|---|---|
| Information Sharing | enhanced exchange of threat data and intelligence. |
| Vulnerability Assessments | joint identification and remediation of software weaknesses. |
| Response Coordination | Regular council meetings to manage cyber incident responses. |
Understanding the Rising Threat of Cybercrime
Cybersecurity is no longer a purely technical issue; it’s a critical business risk. Organizations of all sizes are increasingly vulnerable to attacks,from ransomware and phishing scams to data breaches and supply chain compromises. Proactive measures-like the partnership between KISA and IBK Bank-are essential for building resilience and protecting valuable assets.
did You Know? In 2023, the financial sector experienced a 13% increase in successful cyberattacks compared to the previous year, according to a report by the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC).
Pro Tip: Regularly update your software, use strong and unique passwords, and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible to enhance your personal and organizational cybersecurity posture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cybersecurity
- What is KISA’s role in cybersecurity? KISA is a South Korean government agency responsible for protecting the nation’s cyberspace and fostering a safe and secure online environment.
- why are cybersecurity partnerships crucial? Collaboration allows for the sharing of knowledge,resources,and best practices,strengthening collective defence against cyber threats.
- What are the biggest cybersecurity threats facing financial institutions? Common threats include ransomware, phishing attacks, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and insider threats.
- How can businesses improve their cybersecurity? Implementing strong security protocols, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and providing cybersecurity training to employees are vital steps.
- What is multi-factor authentication? Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple methods, such as a password and a code sent to their phone.
What are your thoughts on the growing need for cybersecurity collaboration between public and private sectors? Share your comments below!
What specific mechanisms does KISA employ to facilitate real-time threat intelligence exchange with private sector companies?
Korea Internet and Security Agency Enhances Cybersecurity Collaboration and Details Sharing
Strengthening National Cyber Defense Capabilities
Teh Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) is considerably bolstering South Korea’s cybersecurity posture through expanded collaboration initiatives and a revamped information sharing framework. This move addresses the escalating sophistication and frequency of cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure,businesses,and citizens. KISA’s efforts are crucial in a landscape increasingly dominated by ransomware attacks, data breaches, and nation-state sponsored hacking. The agency’s proactive approach focuses on building a more resilient and responsive national cybersecurity ecosystem.
new Collaborative Frameworks: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach
KISA is forging stronger partnerships with key stakeholders, including:
* Private Sector Companies: Enhanced information sharing agreements with major corporations across vital sectors like finance, energy, and manufacturing. This includes real-time threat intelligence exchange and joint incident response exercises.
* Government Agencies: Closer coordination with the National intelligence Service (NIS), the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), and the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) to streamline threat detection and investigation processes.
* International Partners: Increased collaboration with cybersecurity agencies in the United States (CISA), Japan, and europe to share best practices and address transnational cybercrime.
* Academic Institutions: Joint research projects with universities to develop cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
These collaborations are designed to create a unified front against cyber threats, leveraging the unique expertise and resources of each partner. This collaborative cybersecurity model is becoming increasingly critically important globally.
Enhanced Information Sharing System: Real-Time Threat Intelligence
At the heart of KISA’s strategy is a modernized information sharing system. Key improvements include:
* Automated Threat Intelligence Platform: Implementation of a new platform that automatically collects, analyzes, and disseminates threat intelligence data from various sources. This platform utilizes machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify emerging threats and predict potential attacks.
* Secure Communication Channels: Establishment of secure communication channels for rapid information sharing between KISA and it’s partners. These channels utilize encryption and other security measures to protect sensitive data.
* Standardized Data Formats: Adoption of standardized data formats for threat intelligence reporting to ensure interoperability and facilitate seamless information exchange. STIX/TAXII are key standards being implemented.
* Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) Feeds: Provision of tailored CTI feeds to specific industries and organizations, providing them with actionable insights to improve their security posture.
Addressing Emerging Cyber Threats: Focus Areas
KISA is prioritizing its efforts on several key areas:
* Ransomware Protection: Developing and deploying tools and resources to help organizations prevent and respond to ransomware attacks. This includes promoting the adoption of robust backup and recovery solutions.
* Supply chain Security: Strengthening the security of supply chains to prevent attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in third-party vendors.
* IoT Security: Addressing the growing security risks associated with the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
* Cloud Security: Enhancing the security of cloud-based services and infrastructure.
* Critical Infrastructure Protection: Safeguarding critical infrastructure systems from cyberattacks. This is a national priority.
KISA’s Role in incident Response & Forensics
KISA plays a pivotal role in responding to and investigating major cybersecurity incidents. This includes:
- Incident Detection & Analysis: Utilizing advanced monitoring tools and threat intelligence to detect and analyze cybersecurity incidents.
- Incident containment & Eradication: Working with affected organizations to contain and eradicate cyber threats.
- Digital Forensics: Conducting digital forensic investigations to determine the root cause of incidents and identify attackers.
- Recovery Assistance: Providing assistance to organizations in recovering from cyberattacks.
- Vulnerability Analysis: Proactive vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in systems and networks.
Benefits of Enhanced Cybersecurity Collaboration
The benefits of KISA’s enhanced collaboration and information sharing initiatives are considerable:
* Improved Threat Detection: Faster and more accurate detection of cyber threats.
* Reduced Incident Response Times: Quicker response to and containment of cybersecurity incidents.
* Enhanced Resilience: Increased resilience to cyberattacks.
* Reduced Financial Losses: Minimized financial losses resulting from cybercrime.