AI가 부른 금융의 명암, '디지털 방패'와 '공격의 고도화' 사이에서 > K-wave Trends

The hottest topic in the financial sector is undoubtedly the 'easing of network separation regulations' and the subsequent adoption of AI. Financial companies have strictly separated internal and external networks to prevent hacking and data leaks, but this has also been a hurdle to introducing innovative services using generative AI. Financial authorities are pushing to fully lift network separation regulations within this year for financial companies with sufficient security capabilities, reflecting a will to strengthen autonomous security responsibilities beyond simple deregulation. Financial companies are now rushing to improve their systems toward 'intelligent security monitoring' that detects and responds to cyber threats in real-time using AI, moving beyond simple defense systems. Ultimately, the era of 'spear and shield' where AI attacks are defended by AI has arrived, and financial companies are building tighter digital fortresses by establishing dedicated security organizations and introducing mock hacking solutions.

Along with technical responses, institutional mechanisms to minimize the damage of phishing crimes are also evolving rapidly. In particular, the National Police Agency's 'Integrated Response Team for Telecommunications Financial Fraud' is acting as a control tower for crime, demonstrating data analysis capabilities that rival IT company development teams. Experts with experience in big data and financial/telecommunications practice gather to analyze criminal methods such as 'team mission' fraud or new 'no-show' crimes in advance, achieving results in blocking malicious apps or private relays in a timely manner. Thanks to these efforts, voice phishing damage in the first quarter of this year has decreased by half compared to the previous year, showing visible changes. Furthermore, financial authorities are considering introducing a 'no-fault liability' system where financial companies bear some responsibility even if the consumer transferred the money themselves, focusing on increasing the effectiveness of damage relief.

In the field, practical public safety achievements are continuing through organic cooperation between the police, local governments, and private financial institutions. Looking at the case of the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency, the number of voice phishing incidents was reduced by more than 40% compared to the previous year through data-based intensive crackdowns, and strong arrest records were shown for illegal private finance and drug crimes. In particular, the international cooperation system to track and repatriate overseas fugitives and strict responses to spreaders of fake news played a major role in erasing blind spots in public safety. These achievements are a highlight of the police's strategic public safety activities that go beyond simply catching criminals to neutralizing the infrastructure that allows criminals to operate. Public safety is now completely transforming from a method of responding after an incident occurs to a scientific investigation system that detects and prevents signs of crime in advance through data analysis.

Inclusive finance in the financial sector is also becoming an important pillar for protecting vulnerable groups in digital blind spots. Major financial companies, including Shinhan Bank, provide 'financial safety free insurance' to vulnerable financial groups such as basic pension recipients, establishing a safety net that compensates for economic losses that may occur in the event of unexpected phishing fraud or erroneous transfers. This is a practical protective measure that reflects the reality that the elderly, who are not familiar with the digital financial environment, are becoming targets of crime. The way financial companies fulfill their social responsibilities so that no one is alienated as technology advances shows the core values of ESG management that companies should pursue in the era of digital transformation. Ultimately, the future of finance does not lie solely in technological innovation, but in building a dense social consideration and safety net that helps ensure no one is left behind in the process of that innovation.