Yoon calls for joint efforts against cross-border cyberthreats

SEOUL, Sept. 11 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol said Wednesday that South Korea aims to become a cyber drill hub in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance international cooperation in combating rising cross-border cyberthreats.

Yoon called for joint efforts to tackle security threats in cyberspace in an address to Cyber Summit Korea, the first global cybersecurity event hosted by the National Intelligence Service, the nation's spy agency.

"State-sponsored hacking groups and cybercriminals have exploited advanced cybertechnology to launch more complicated, sophisticated attacks," Yoon said during the opening ceremony held at COEX in southern Seoul.

"If such cyberthreats inflict serious damage on critical infrastructure, they could severely threaten national security and public safety," he added.

Yoon unveiled South Korea's goal of becoming a cyber drill hub in the Indo-Pacific region, building on its cyber defense capabilities developed in response to North Korean threats. Pyongyang has been accused of stealing cryptocurrency and hacking local defense contractors.

"South Korea has been continuously developing its cyber defense capabilities and security system to counter cyberattacks from hostile forces like North Korea," Yoon said.

On the sidelines of the event, Yoon observed the International Cyber Training (APEX) exercise, a multinational effort he committed to during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in Washington in July.

Last week, South Korea unveiled the National Cybersecurity Basic Plan, which outlines offensive cyber defense operations and strategies to combat disinformation.

ejkim@yna.co.kr
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