Routledge Companion to Global Cyber-Security Strategy

22AN EFFECTIVE SHIELD?

Analyzing South Korea’s cybersecurity strategy

Yangmo Ku

Introduction

The Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea) has earned fame as a “strong Internet nation,” as the country contains cutting-edge digital technology, efficient computer networks, and the world’s top high-speed Internet penetration rate. Behind these achievements, however, the nation has been vulnerable to cyber threats, particularly to those allegedly stemming from North Korea. Starting with multiple distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks in July 2009, North Korea has frequently infiltrated and paralyzed South Korean government, finance, and critical infrastructure websites. These North Korean cyberattacks prompted South Korea to set safeguarding ...