Samsung ups network security

Amid fears of industrial espionage, Samsung is massively upgrading its corporate security. The JoongAng Ilbo recently discovered that Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor factory in Giheung, Gyeonggi province, has just begun replacing employees’ personal computers with network computers: They will no longer have their own hard-disk drives but must log on to the central server. A worker at Giheung confirmed yesterday that about 30 of 100 computers there have been changed so far. “Computers in the research and development labs are being taken out first,” he said. A network computer allows a person to access the central computer. The user will be able to perform the same functions, but the history of his or her work will be recorded in the main server. If certain information is leaked, the company will be able to narrow down who was responsible. “With this system, you only have to manage the central server and the network system, so you can keep tight reins on security,” said Park Geun-woo, a researcher at IT security firm AhnLab. Until the change, Samsung’s security measures were based on software; it forbade the usage of portable data-saving devices such as USB drives or other means of data recording such as CD burning, as well as the use of camera phones. The new system changes the hardware platform itself. “The group began planning to change the system a few years ago, but plans were accelerated last year when technology leaks became a huge issue,” said an official at Samsung Networks, which is implementing the changes. He wished to remain anonymous, since the company has not yet made an official announcement. “It is also in line with global trends: Hitachi is changing its personal computers to network computers this year and Microsoft already has. Configuration can be set so that certain files can only be seen by certain people and every move is recorded; however, the system does not guarantee personal privacy,” he said. by Lee Won-ho, Wohn Dong-hee