AhnLab announced on Sep. 8 that it has obtained Korea Cryptographic Module Validation Program (KCMVP) with ACM 1.0, a cryptographic module that adds a quantum random number generator (QRNG) as a noise source for the first time in Korea.

KCMVP is a system that verifies the safety and implementation suitability of cryptographic modules to protect important information among data used in public information and communications networks. National Security Research Institute and Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) are in charge of testing and evaluation, and National Intelligence Service conducts verification based on the evaluation results. Cryptographic modules that have passed verification are listed in the certified cryptographic modules list from National Intelligence Service.

Research Institute and Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) are in charge of testing and evaluation, and National Intelligence Service conducts verification based on the evaluation results. Cryptographic modules that have passed verification are listed in the certified cryptographic modules list from National Intelligence Service.

AhnLab completed KCMVP once again by adding QRNG from the Korean security startup EYL as a noise source for random number generation to ACM 1.0 which already has KCMVP. The noise source is an important value that becomes a material for random number generation, and the unpredictability of the random number depends on the noise source.

By adding the noise source, ACM 1.0 has increased randomness (random number sequence without statistical bias) and unpredictability (the next number cannot be predicted from the past number sequence) of the random number sequence created in the environment where EYL’s QRNG is equipped. Through this, the security of the encryption operation using the random number was further strengthened.

Lee Sang-guk, AhnLab's Marketing Division Head, said, "The acquisition of KCMVP provides an opportunity to provide customers with a cryptographic module with stronger security. We will strive to advance related technologies through R&D and exchanges in the field of quantum cryptography communication and apply them to our products and services.”

AhnLab has been actively promoting quantum cryptography communication technology in addition to the acquisition of KCMVP. AhnLab is currently developing a quantum cryptographic communication-based virtual private network (VPN) technology using the quantum random number generation function with the KT Convergence Technology Institute Infrastructure Research Center, and the commercialization of PoC (Proof of Concept) is also in the final stage. It will soon introduce a new product line by applying this to the next-generation firewall “AhnLab TrusGuard.”

In addition, in October last year, it participated in the “Quantum Cryptographic Communication Digital New Deal 1st Year Project” and is operating a VPN application service based on quantum key distribution (QKD) at Hyundai Heavy Industries. It is also a member of the Future Quantum Convergence Forum of the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Pangyo Technovalley is an innovation hub for global companies comparable to the Silicon Valley in the US, Zhongguancun in China, and STATION F in France. It is an Asia tech hub with 1,259 IT, BT, CT, and NT companies that possess innovative products and technologies. Located just south of the metropolitan area, it provides the best environment for Korean companies to do business with great transportation access and infrastructure.

Various high-tech companies are located in Pangyo Technovalley, and it is occupied by 64,000 full-time employees, many in their 20-30s. In terms of industry, the companies are engaged in information technology, contents technology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.

With the support of innovative companies with global capabilities such as Kakao, Naver, AhnLab, Krafton, NCSoft, Nexon, and Hancom, companies in Pangyo Technovalley recorded 107 trillion won in sales last year. Investment and infrastructure growth in Pangyo is expected to continue, with the Metaverse hub entering Pangyo this year.

Source: Pangyo Techno Valley Official Newsroom 

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