From ransomware to smart cities: SECON & eGISEC 2025 to tackle global security challenges

Business leaders and cybersecurity professionals will soon head to the annual SECON & eGISEC exhibition in South Korea to discuss the most pressing security issues and come up with possible solutions.

Hackers exploiting AI, cybersecurity skills shortages, and increasing cyberattacks, among other things, have become the cost of doing business.

"Asian nations play a vital role in enhancing global security through technological innovation and international cooperation," So-Young Choi, CEO at Informa Markets BN Co Ltd, told Cybernews.

As business leaders are gearing up for SECON & eGISEC, Asia's largest integrated security exhibition set for 19-21 March 2025, we sat down with So-Young Choi to discuss AI's impact on businesses, pressing cybersecurity issues, and the SECON & eGISEC itself.

What are the most pressing cybersecurity issues that companies are facing at the moment?

I would highlight the increasingly sophisticated and frequent cyberattacks, including ransomware, phishing, and DDoS attacks.

In particular, the surge in Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has led to the proliferation of numerous ransomware organizations. These organizations indiscriminately launch hacking campaigns against businesses worldwide, stealing and leaking sensitive data.

Reports indicate that ransomware attackers earned $459.8 million in the first half of this year alone. If this trend continues, it is projected that ransomware attack damages could set a record high by the year's end.

Additionally, the intensification of conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war has heightened threats to national security and industrial infrastructure, as governments and critical infrastructure companies in major nations, such as Germany and the United States, have increasingly become targets of cyber attacks.

Moreover, the rise of digital transformation and remote work environments has introduced new cybersecurity threats. Companies also face growing threats from supply chain attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in software supply chains and security risks arising from inadequate cybersecurity measures among business partners.

How does the fast-evolving technology contribute to these challenges?

While advancements in AI, encryption, network, and detection technologies have significantly enhanced companies' ability to address security threats, rapidly evolving technology has also exacerbated security challenges.

For instance, IoT devices, cloud infrastructure, and AI systems have become new targets for hackers. As technology progresses, it often introduces new vulnerabilities and attack vectors.

Furthermore, the accelerated adoption of technology driven by digital transformation sometimes prioritizes implementation over security, leading to unaddressed or exposed vulnerabilities.

Is AI the problem or the solution?

Artificial intelligence can be considered a double-edged sword in the security domain—it is both a problem and a solution. When used effectively, AI enhances the efficiency of security operations by detecting threats in real-time, automating responses, and identifying anomalies in data with high accuracy.

However, when misused by malicious software, AI can cause significant harm. Hackers can leverage AI to bypass corporate security systems, execute large-scale sophisticated phishing campaigns, or analyze network weaknesses to launch advanced persistent threats (APTs).

Nevertheless, I believe that 'security issues caused by AI can be solved by AI,' which makes it closer to a solution rather than a problem. AI can help simulate attack scenarios, respond to incidents, and identify vulnerabilities.

However, to achieve this, it is essential to implement secure coding using AI during the development stage to eliminate vulnerabilities and implement 'Secure by Design' during the production stage, ensuring support throughout the testing phase.

One major challenge is the lack of robust legal and ethical standards for using artificial intelligence technologies in businesses. While international organizations such as the UN and leading countries are proposing frameworks and guidelines to strengthen AI ethics, there is still a lack of legal enforceability, potentially leading to future ethical and regulatory issues.

What are the main challenges with rapid AI implementation in business?

Another key issue is the severe shortage of skilled personnel capable of managing and understanding AI. Businesses need to focus on nurturing and developing such talent.

Additionally, securing high-quality data for AI training is critical, as is addressing privacy concerns that may arise during this process.

Lastly, companies must ensure they have sufficient budgets to build, maintain, and operate AI infrastructure and manage the associated data.

What role do Asian nations play in shaping global security? Are there specific strategies or expertise from countries in this region that could serve as models for addressing critical international challenges?

Asian nations play a vital role in enhancing global security through technological innovation and international cooperation. For instance, South Korea actively participates in international standard-setting activities led by organizations like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), making a significant impact in international collaboration activities, leading technological advancements and spreading them across the world. Singapore serves as a model for global data security regulations, while China emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and data protection efforts in relation to its large-scale AI technology advancements.

Notably, South Korea achieved the highest tier in the 5th Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) published in September, scoring full marks across all five evaluation categories The country acts as a testbed for innovative security technologies, with SECON & eGISEC, Asia’s largest integrated security exhibition, contributing to this effort. This event showcases cutting-edge cyber resilience solutions and plays a significant role in advancing global security standards.

What sectors will the exhibition focus on this year?

The 24th SECON & eGISEC 2025 exhibition continues its legacy as the world’s first integrated security event, combining physical and cyber security solutions since its inception in 2001. This year’s event will feature a comprehensive range of solutions, including physical security products like video surveillance, access control, and biometrics, as well as cybersecurity offerings such as network security and endpoint protection. In addition, integrated security solutions such as industrial security, smart city security, OT security, automotive and marine security, and drones will also be showcased.

With the growing adoption of big data, cloud, and IoT technologies across industries, the exhibition will highlight the increasing importance of cloud and IoT security. AI-powered integrated control systems and AI-based security systems for threat detection and defense will also take center stage.

Furthermore, the exhibition will emphasize smart city security for urban infrastructure, advanced automotive and maritime security solutions in response to the expansion of autonomous vehicles and smart ships, and evolving security technologies for drones.

How do buyers ensure that high-tech security technologies are being used in an ethical and considerate way?

In South Korea, significant emphasis is placed on the certification of advanced security technologies. Various certification systems are implemented by government or international certification bodies to assess and ensure the security capabilities of these technologies, such as the security function testing systems of related institutions.

Particularly for AI-based security technologies, ethical considerations are a top priority. The Korean government is proactively addressing these concerns by spearheading the enactment of an AI Basic Act and launching the AI Safety Research Institute to ensure the ethical and safe use of AI-based technologies.

In addition, the government has introduced guidelines and initiatives to enhance security in areas such as zero trust and supply chain security, including the adoption of Software Bill of Materials (SBOM). For IP cameras, measures have been implemented to alleviate concerns over privacy exposure due to hacking threats, further bolstering security in this domain.

What are the latest integrated security trends businesses should pay attention to?

One of the key integrated security trends is the effective integration of AI technology into existing security solutions to enhance efficiency. AI-powered CCTV cameras exemplify this trend by not only improving crime prevention but also offering applications in crowd management, disaster prevention, marketing, and traffic/parking control.

Equally important is the focus on countering increasingly sophisticated AI-driven security threats while leveraging AI to strengthen overall security measures.

Other notable trends include:

• Adopting Zero Trust Architecture to Strengthen Network Access Control.
• Development of integrated security solutions tailored for cloud environments.
• Expansion of biometric technologies for diverse uses, such as account protection and access control.

Implementation of integrated security systems for smart cities, autonomous vehicles, smart ships, drones/UAVs, and smart farms, ensuring advanced security across these sectors.

Who is the exhibition for? What are the benefits of participating?

SECON & eGISEC is Asia's largest integrated security exhibition, with participation from approximately 40 related institutions and organizations, 400 companies, and 20 countries. Its key feature is an extensive showcase of both cyber and physical security solutions.

This event provides visitors with the unique opportunity to explore the global security trends and cutting-edge technology, which are key in the AI era, with a special focus on South Korea’s innovative security solutions. South Korea, with its world-class IT infrastructure, has gained extensive expertise in addressing diverse cyber threats. As such, security professionals considering the adoption of advanced security equipment can directly explore solutions and practical examples to address current challenges at this exhibition.

For security industry professionals exhibiting at SECON & eGISEC and seeking collaboration and partnerships, the event offers exceptional networking opportunities with attendees, opening doors to new business prospects. Exhibitors will have the chance to network not only within South Korea’s security market but also to build global partnerships. Organised by Informa Group, a leading global event organiser, SECON & eGISEC will invite over 30,000 buyers from 30 countries and feature exhibits from global leading players across 20 countries in 2025.