On June 6, Myongji University’s Defense Security Research Institute (Director Ryu Yeon-seung) and F1 Security (CEO Lee Dae-ho) entered a memorandum of cooperation aimed at enhancing cybersecurity within the defense industry and strengthening consulting capabilities for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). The agreement is set to promote joint projects focusing on consulting and training related to CMMC, alongside information sharing.
During the signing ceremony, attendees included key figures from both organizations, such as Director Ryu and the head of Myongji's CMMC Center, Seo Cheong-jeong, along with 10 consultants from both parties aiming to bolster their collaborative efforts. Ryu Yeon-seung expressed the goal of this partnership, stating, "Myongji University Defense Security Research Institute has been conducting policy research projects for the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Defense Technology Promotion Research Institute, and has previously supported CMMC Level 1 consulting for 11 SMEs. Through this agreement, we will work closely with F1 Security, a specialized consulting firm for information security, to contribute to enhancing cybersecurity and improving the export competitiveness of the defense industry."
Lee Dae-ho echoed this sentiment, noting the urgency of compliance with the newly implemented CMMC standards: "With the implementation of the CMMC system since December 16 last year, we will cooperate with Myongji University Defense Security Research Institute to provide professional information protection consulting services to domestic defense industry companies." F1 Security specializes in CMMC and other certifications such as ISMS-P and ISO, offering comprehensive services including personal protection, system management consulting, vulnerability assessments, and penetration tests.
Established as a specialized firm by the Ministry of Science and ICT, F1 Security aims to raise the information security levels of defense contractors. Myongji University has also developed advanced academic programs, including the Security Management Engineering, Defense Security, and Convergence Security and Safety Departments, focusing on cultivating talents for the national defense sector. Since its establishment in 2015, the Defense Security Research Institute has actively contributed to studies aimed at improving and protecting the defense industry as part of its overarching mission.
This partnership marks a significant step toward strengthening the domestic defense industry's security posture. By implementing training and consulting projects, it seeks to align with international cybersecurity standards, ensuring companies can meet compliance requirements and protect their information effectively. The collaboration brings together academic rigor and practical expertise, firmly positioning both Myongji University and F1 Security at the forefront of the cybersecurity field, especially within the defense sector.
The collaboration is not only about compliance; it reflects the increasing recognition of the importance of cybersecurity standards particularly as the global defense industry faces mounting challenges from cyber threats. Through this synergy, each organization looks forward to joint successes, aiming to create benchmarks for information security practices within South Korea and beyond, providing invaluable support for defense industry players as they navigate the complex cybersecurity terrain.
With this commitment, the partners hope to make significant strides toward elevifying the standard of cybersecurity among South Korean defense contractors, representing both academic commitment and industry expertise working hand-in-hand to secure sensitive information and improve operational resilience.
This collaborative effort underlines the importance of enhancing cybersecurity not just as a regulatory necessity but as a strategic advantage for the defense industry, reaffirming South Korea's dedication to maintaining high standards of national security.