Israel and South Korea Partner To Counter Cyber Attacks

Israel and South Korea will work together to ward off global cyber attacks as part of a new bilateral deal. 

Through visits, seminars, and business meetings, the agreement will also strengthen the business cooperation between cybersecurity and information security companies in both countries.

The agreement was signed in Israel between the Israeli High-Tech Association, which promotes the country’s high-tech economic growth, and the Korea Information Security Industry Association (KISIA), a non-profit dedicated to the country’s cybersecurity growth. 

The Korean delegation consisted of representatives from Korean cybersecurity companies, including LG Electronics, information security service provider eNsecure and software management company Coontec.

During their visit, they met with Israeli cybersecurity firms, including Claroty, Integrity, Waterfall Security Solutions, Embedded Solutions 3000 and Cyber 2.0.

“We are happy about the cooperation created between the two countries and are sure that this will create significant business and research opportunities for both parties,” said Maya Schwartz, CEO of the Israeli High-Tech Association. 

KISIA Chairman Dongbeom Lee said: “Korea and Israel are similar in many areas. It is easy for us to work with Israeli companies, we love Israel and believe in extensive cooperation,” he said, adding that KISIA’s access to Asian markets can help Israeli companies looking to penetrate the continent. 

The signing of the agreement comes after a free-trade agreement (FTA) to boost bilateral trade and investment between the two came into force in December.

The FTA was the first of its kind between Israel and a country in Asia, and eliminates tariffs on goods ranging from cars and medical equipment to video games and lipstick. 

It also includes measures to make trade easier in other areas, such as services, investment and standards.