Policy demands making networks vulnerable

Korea is lauded for having cutting-edge technology, but government computer networks are vulnerable to hackers because local bureaucrats require software vendors to hand over proprietary information on protective meaures such as firewalls as a condition of sale, industry sources say. To supply firewall software to government facilities here, a supplier’s program is rated by the Korea Information Security Agency and the National Intelligence Service. However, the process requires a potential supplier to disclose its source code ― something that high-technology suppliers normally refuse to do. “Asking a company to disclose its source code is the same thing as asking for its technical secrets,” said Jerry Ungerman, president of Check Point Software Technologies. “China and Korea are the only countries that make such demands.” The Korea Information Security Agency stated, “We need to look over basic programs so that we can prevent any information from leaking.” A report by the intelligence service said attacks on government networks have increased sharply every year since 2000, but only 2 percent of the budget for the networks goes for security. “Private firms [here] protect themselves with sophisticated software,” said Choi Jin-soo, chief director of software dealer Symantec Korea. “But government security is almost pitiful.” by Yoon Chang-hee