Security in South Korea: The convergence of physical and cyber security

The demand for security convergence is on the rise as 4th Industrial Revolution factors such as Smart Factories, Smart Cities, and 5G commercialization urges communities to form a more connected society. This concept of a more connected society also applies to physical and cyber security, which makes the boundary between those two even harder to define. The Government in South Korea is planning to create the world’s first ‘5G Plus Strategy’, which introduces and develops the ten essential strategies as well as the demonstration of the five main services of the 5G technology. This shows the government’s strong will in obtaining global competitiveness through this advanced technology.

The development of AI, Deep-learning technology, Big Data, IoT, and ICT all contribute to the convergence of physical and cyber security, where AI and Intelligent surveillance are the main sectors. Intelligent surveillance systems made its appearance in 2010, using movement and ruleset-based pattern analysis. However, the system’s ‘reliability was often very low with false positives. The video analysis error rate reached up to 28.2%, in which the system was incapable of adapting to various environmental changes. Despite its shortcomings, the system is now improving rapidly as deep-learning technologies continue to evolve. A good example of this is the face recognition system, which is now almost as accurate as the human eye, at the accuracy rate of 95%.

However, as the hyperconnected society draws near, their defence system against cyber-attacks is also being enhanced. Starting off with the commercialization of 5G technology, concrete actions are being taken in order to form a new security infrastructure. Oh Yong-soo, Director of Cyber Security Policy Bureau, at the Ministry of Science and ICT, points out that “Cyber-attacks are threatening the real world, in which information, communication, and network-based attacks are paralyzing systems, extorting personal information, and reaching the stage where even wrecking the economy is possible”. Furthermore, cyber security threats are now being expanded into a new 5G technology-based industry, causing harm to one’s life and safety, as well as the economy at large.

Korea takes the lead in the world’s security convergence trend, enhancing the security of the converging industry

The Korean government had laid the groundwork for the converging industry’s security enhancement as well.  Along with security guidelines developed for each field of the converging industries, a master plan for a continuous security enhancement, IoT, and converging industries was also carried out. Furthermore, a testbed for IoT, IoT product security test and its certifications are also being provided. In particular, the government decided to provide development opportunities for the five main areas:

1) Smart Factory

2) Autonomous Vehicle

3) Smart City

4) Digital Healthcare

5) Immersive Content.

Smart City- Both ‘Hacking’ and ‘Security’ must be considered

A CCTV’s surveillance has become a very important resource in the 4th Industrial Revolution, where a CCTV Integrated Control Centre can be referred to as the ‘library’ of all relevant data. Video data analysis and reprocessing can both be used to provide services to Smart Factories and Smart Cities. As many are already aware, CCTV surveillance data has become an indispensable factor for constructing Smart Cities. However, not can CCTVs solely be used for surveillance, but by applying ICT, the entire city can stay connected- traffic, facility information, security-disaster monitoring and prevention can all be managed by one integrated management system. However, this integrated management system is currently not yet completed as it is in the process of searching for the common boundary between the market’s demand and technical competence.

The concept of physical and cyber security intelligent surveillance

The concept of physical and cyber security intelligent surveillance are both similar in a way that they react to threats by using big data analysis in real-time. In physical security, it is defined as categorising atypical and typical data or collecting the status metadata and IoT data in order to generate an outcome through deep learning. Intelligent surveillance in cyber security refers to the collection of data from each information security system and perceiving threats, through correlation analysis of various events and improving its responsiveness.

An intelligent surveillance increases the control efficiency of both physical and cyber security, which assists the controller to fulfil his tasks. Although physical and cyber security are currently divided into two separate systems, experiencing both from the same platform might be possible in a hyper connected society.

‘Selective surveillance’- A downsized but advanced intelligent surveillance system

Amongst various attempts, the one which catches the eye is the ‘Selecting surveillance’- the subcategory of the intelligent surveillance system. Since the number of CCTVs being installed in local governments is on the rise and it is becoming more difficult for the controllers to control the countless number of events, it is crucial to introduce an AI based solution in order to reduce the loss of life and property as well as to provide a more reliable security service.

In a Smart City, its ICT based network is formed throughout the entire area. To construct the city’s safety net, the effective control and quick response between all CCTVs and their smartification are crucial. As a result, the country’s CCTV Integrated Control Centre is becoming a place for AI based ‘Selective surveillance’, in which the integration of AI face recognition in surveillance is found.

The video surveillance sector, which is the core of the 4th Industrial Revolution, aims to provide intelligent video security sensor service by merging with biometric identity solutions. The service plans to target single person households and the aging population, substantialising a welfare centred safe and secure society, with crime and disaster prevention and swift responsiveness. Furthermore, the unification of smart homes, building management and, financial services may result in a new profitable industry. Depending on the importance of video surveillance systems, video security and cyber security may also be integrated.

For more security news, click here.

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

access control integration

HID Redefines Physical and Digital Security Integration

HID announced the launch of HID Integration Service, a platform that integrates physical security, cybersecurity and digital identity…

Cloud, AI, and Integration: Rhombus on What’s Next in Physical Security

Garrett Larsson, Co-Founder and CEO of Rhombus Systems, explores how cloud, AI, and…
Copyright: Security Buyer

ASIS UK Launches “Security is You(th)” Hackathon

ASIS International UK has launched Security is You(th), an initiative designed to engage students and early-career professionals…
Image provided by Veeam

AI and Ransomware: Cutting Through the Hype

Rick Vanover, Vice President Product Strategy, Veeam discusses how It might be the great paradox: Artificial Intelligence (AI)….
Copyright: Security Buyer

AmiViz Partners with Titania

AmiViz announced a strategic distribution agreement with Titania. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to enhancing…
Copyright: Security Buyer

Facial Recognition: Innovation vs. Accountability

Facial recognition technology is advancing with AI, IoT, and privacy-first security, but regulatory compliance, ethical AI, accountability…
Oil and Gas

Navigating Africa’s Oil & Gas Industry

A comprehensive analysis of security strategies in Africa’s oil and gas industry, covering physical, cyber, and remote surveillance measures.
blackhat

Black Hat Europe Starts Soon

Black Hat Europe starts Monday and now is the perfect time to start planning your experience. With a full lineup of Keynotes…

VIVOTEK’s All-in-One Software Boosts Operational Efficiency for Enterprises

As demand for high-efficiency security systems rises among large enterprises, the global leading…
Scroll to Top