Growth in wireless Internet security

26 June 2000 (JoongAng Ilbo) - Domestic information security companies like Ahn's Computer Virus Lab and Secure Soft are making inroads into the wireless Internet market.

Ahn's Lab, in a joint venture with four industry-related companies, have launched IA Security, specializing in security for the Internet sector. IA Security was started with an initial investment of $900,000 - Ahn's Lab owns a 45 percent stake in the company and the SK Group owns 30 percent. Ahn Chol-soo, chief of Ahn's Lab, will head operations at the information security firm.

IA Security develops security solutions for companies involved in the production and distribution of PDA, Internet TVs, and smart phones. The company will also develop virus protection software for personal computers.

Secure Soft and the TG Corporation will join hands to offer wireless Internet services. They plan to provide user authentification systems by which Internet shopping sites can confirm the identification of subscribers in e-commerce transactions. The companies will also provide a security key for protecting private information on the Internet.

In related news, MI Security opened its doors in April, while Dream Security introduced Trust M, wireless Internet security software based on WAP (an advanced Internet protocol).

Industry insiders anticipate the number of users of wireless Internet to reach over 10 million by the end of the year - making Internet security a priority.

"The growth of e-commerce transactions through wireless Internet stimulates the spread of cellular phone viruses - the prospects of Internet security are very encouraging," says Ahn Chol-soo.