Exotic security technology comes of age

Advanced computer-security technology is increasingly being adopted ― especially since the “Slammer Worm” virus hit Web servers around the world in January, paralyzing the Internet. But security technology is not just limited to protecting personal computers and Internet servers. The range of applications has widened, bringing about rapid growth in the market. One technology rapidly taking hold is eye-recognition systems. Sales of this technology, introduced in 2000 by LG Electronics Inc., grew to 500 systems last year and are projected to hit 1,600 this year. “We are developing new technology that can reduce the time of recognition and interface with other online technologies,” an LG Electronics official said. PassMos Co., an Internet security company, exported 8,000 fingerprint-controlled portable storage devices called “myBlackBox” to the United States last month. The device has a built-in 32 megabyte flash memory drive allowing for storage of files and passwords. It operates only when the device’s sensor recognizes the user’s fingerprint, whose information is saved in a connected computer. “We have launched in the biggest market, the U.S., but are expecting to launch in Korea in the first half of the year,” an official at PassMos said. “MyBlackBox is compatible with any personal computer connected through a USB port. That is a distinctive feature compared to existing fingerprint-recognition devices, which can only be used with computers that have fingerprint-scanning related software installed.” MarkAny Inc., which provides digital security, has recently introduced its Document Saver data-protection software, which won an award from the Ministry of Science and Technology last year. The software offers a system to protect and manage digital assets. It also blocks unauthorized viewing, sending and copying of sensitive material. CECROP Co., a local provider of biometric security systems, has developed two products ― a secure firearms case and a mailbox ― with fingerprint-scanning sensors. It will supply 30,000 of these products to ELT, a U.S-based security firm, each year. LG Electronics recently showcased a mobile handset that prevents personal information leakage. Users can store personal documents in one folder protected with a secret code. Samsung Electronics Co. has also developed desktop and laptop computers with fingerprint-scanning sensors that prevent unauthorized access to data even if the machines are lost or stolen. Internet service provider KT Corp. is offering a free broadband service that automatically encrypts users’ identification and account numbers. The service has attracted more than 40,000 users since it was introduced in January. High-tech security software is especially attractive for cyber banking and online financial trading. One of the major reasons people are often reluctant to conduct online financial transactions is a fear of personal information leakage. Financial institutions use security technology to not only protect online customers, but to reassure them. For this reason, six institutions, including the National Computerization Agency and Korea Financial Telecommunication and Clearance Institute, have made it mandatory for customers to use licensed certification for online commercial transactions. Locus Corp., which provides telecommunications software security in conjunction with the financial services firm, Samsung Card, has designed “BaroPay Plus” to lessen customers’ anxiety about using their credit card numbers in cyberspace. BaroPay Plus enables users to safely trade online using one-time virtual card numbers dispatched by credit card companies. “There is almost no risk of personal information leakage because a maximum of 100 billion one-time virtual card numbers can be generated. Thus it is impossible to reprint, trace or regenerate the numbers of registered cards,” a Locus development team official said. A Samsung Card official added: “We began to offer the service two years ago, but customers’ reactions are better now. The number of users has increased by more than 50 percent to 600,000 as of the end of last month just by word of mouth alone and without any marketing activities by the company.” Real ID Technology Co., a watermarking software development firm, has joined hands with Woori Bank to provide “biocertificate Internet banking” services to about 3,000 members. The firm has set up 1,500 automated teller machines with fingerprint-scanning sensors installed. It will soon install another 800 machines. SK Telecom’s Nemo service offers bill payment services based on the user’s phone number. The user receives each bill on their phone display and can pay it on-screen, preventing financial information from leaking out. by Yum Pae-jung