The Korean Association of Cybersecurity Studies (KACS) hosted its annual international conference on Friday, themed “Middle Powers’ Cybersecurity Statecraft.” Security experts from middle-power nations, including South Korea, Australia, Ukraine, and Israel, joined the deputy director of the National Intelligence Service to discuss the importance of cybersecurity statecraft.
“Today, we live in a world where the line between the physical world and cyberspace is increasingly blurred. Cyberspace has become a critical foundation for global societies and economies,” said Yoon Oh-jun, the third deputy director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), in a welcoming speech. “As a result, we face new challenges in keeping people safe and ensuring national security.”
Yoon warned that hacking groups targeting the nation have become increasingly sophisticated. He noted that the world now faces a wider variety of threats than ever before, including a growing number of cases involving the misuse of artificial intelligence.
Kim Sang-bae, president of the KACS and professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Seoul National University, emphasized in his welcoming speech that middle-power countries play a crucial role in addressing the gaps in international politics left by great powers. He noted that by leveraging these gaps, middle powers can strengthen their positions on the global stage.
Middle-power countries facing similar challenges should collaborate. “Nations that share core values can amplify their influence in the international community through solidarity,” Kim said.
Security experts from the middle-power nations of South Korea, Australia, Ukraine, and Israel discussed the importance of their countries’ security strategies and emphasized the need for international partnerships.
Fitriani, Senior Analyst of Cyber, Technology, and Security at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, stated that Australia seeks to strengthen cybersecurity collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and expand its influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia’s partnership with Southeast Asia aims to enhance cybersecurity capabilities, and the country is committed to working alongside ASEAN members to foster a safer cyber environment.
Alina Shymanska, a visiting researcher at the Institute of International Studies at Seoul National University, explained that Ukraine has long served as a buffer zone between the geopolitical rivals Russia and Germany in Eastern Europe. Ukraine faces the highest number of cyberattacks worldwide, largely from Russia, whose operations often cross borders to target NATO countries. She noted that Ukraine has been utilizing funds to counter Russian cyberattacks since 2014 and, beginning in 2023, will collaborate with Estonia to enhance its cyber defense.
Shlomo Shapiro, Director of the European Institute at Bar Ilan University, observed that recent Hamas attacks have exposed weaknesses in its cybersecurity and AI defense systems, with failures in border security and early warning systems standing out. He emphasized that cyberwarfare cannot entirely replace physical defense measures in warfare.
Song Tae-eun, Assistant Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, highlighted the need for partnerships with the United States and the establishment of legal frameworks to ensure South Korea’s effective cyberattack capabilities. She emphasized that South Korea should also develop joint cyber exercises with democracies in the Indo-Pacific and collaborate with the private sector to strengthen defense strategies. This, she noted, will enable South Korea to play a pivotal role in international efforts to counter destructive cyber threats.
