SANDS Lab CEO Kim Ki-hong: “Global growth in AI-based security begins”
Conducting AI-based security research with Singapore’s defense research institute Building cybersecurity-specific AI models with high-quality, large-scale datasets Helping make society safer by responding to cybercrime
SANDS Lab CEO Kim Ki-hong: “Global growth in AI-based security begins”
- Conducting AI-based security research with Singapore’s defense research institute
- Building cybersecurity-specific AI models with high-quality, large-scale datasets
- Helping make society safer by responding to cybercrime
SANDS Lab is a pioneer in AI security. Beginning in 2010, it developed and successfully commercialized automated AI-based malware analysis. After winning a dataset project covering security incidents and malware in 2021, it accumulated high-quality, large-scale data for AI security over four years. These datasets are an important resource for building cybersecurity-specific AI models and can significantly improve AI-based threat detection and response.
These efforts led to participation in advanced cybersecurity research at Singapore’s DSO National Laboratories. The adoption of Korean AI-based security technology by an overseas defense-related research organization demonstrates the competitiveness of Korean security technology.
CEO Kim Ki-hong said, “Participating in defense-sector AI security research with the institute responsible for Singapore’s defense technology is especially meaningful because it recognizes the level of Korea’s AI security technology. Our technology and capabilities underwent two years of assessment to make this possible. Over the next two years, we will continue research so that our technology can form a foundation for protecting Singapore’s cyber infrastructure. We expect successful completion of this project to open opportunities in other countries as well.”
Improving services while helping cybercrime victims
SANDS Lab began in 2003 as a student venture at Yonsei University. Since launching the malware intelligence service malwares.com in 2014, it has advanced AI-based analysis of large volumes of malware samples. In 2017, it joined the Cyber Threat Alliance (CTA), formed by global companies, and demonstrated its ability to accurately identify new malware and variants using AI.
Kim said, “We are developing cybersecurity-specific AI models based on 21 years of AI expertise. These technologies can be used within companies and institutions, enabling accurate AI-based detection and response to new threats and variants even on closed networks or business networks with limited external connectivity. Through these efforts, we will significantly raise Korea’s cybersecurity standards and contribute to the security industry’s development.”
Kim has also worked closely with the Korean National Police Agency for many years to track and prevent cybercrime. His support includes investigating the Nth Room case that shocked society several years ago and assisting in arrests, as well as helping address the recent rise of crimes involving deepfakes.
The company also provides a free service that detects manipulated visual content to help prevent deepfake harm. Anyone can upload a suspected image without registration or authentication and receive an authenticity assessment within seconds. It is discussing partnerships with major Korean portals and internet service companies to offer the service and curb the spread of manipulated images.
Kim said, “Helping cybercrime victims and supporting the pursuit of offenders reflect SANDS Lab’s philosophy of creating a safer society. The resulting experience and data also create a virtuous cycle that improves our intelligence services.”
Combining solutions and services for tailored security
SANDS Lab is also investing heavily in its MNX network detection and response business. MNX provides protocol and application visibility through an AI-enabled DPI engine. It identifies more than 480 IT Layer 7 protocols, analyzes whether files are malicious, detects anomalies and behavior, and exposes detailed information about otherwise unseen network traffic.
Integrating MNX with CTX, SANDS Lab’s CTI service, reveals associated threat groups and detailed campaign information, helping security teams build defenses aligned with attackers’ objectives and intent.
SANDS Lab is also improving CTI as demand rises for stronger public-sector and financial-sector security following the relaxation of network separation regulations. The company is confident its CTI can provide the information Korean companies and institutions need, drawing on Korea’s largest collection of threat intelligence to deliver information on new threats and variants.
Kim said, “Our strength is combining solutions and services to meet customer requirements. Rather than blindly following global vendors’ models, our long-term growth strategy is to communicate our philosophy and technical advantages and provide what the market needs. We therefore tailor advanced AI-based security technology to customer needs and regulatory environments. We are expanding globally while maintaining stable growth in Korea.”
Seizing growth opportunities in a rapidly changing security market
Kim has also devoted considerable effort to finding and developing talent. This year, he established a specialist HR team to recruit people aligned with SANDS Lab’s culture and vision.
He said, “Creating a dedicated HR team was the best decision I made this year. HR professionals identify and recruit people who suit the company, bringing in the right talent and enabling us to further improve our services and solutions.”
He added, “With our industry-recognized expertise and outstanding people, we are seeking growth opportunities at home and abroad. Attacks keep evolving, and response technologies change constantly. As a company prepared to adapt quickly, I believe SANDS Lab can seize strong growth opportunities amid this rapid change.”