http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140803000316 By Song Sang-ho Korea Herald 2014-08-03 In South Korea, one of the world’s most wired nations, there are many cybersavvy youngsters, or “gray-hat hackers,” who flirt with the idea of breaking into computer networks of firms or state entities. Most have no grasp of the illegality of their activities. These hackers could become cybersecurity specialists, called “white-hat” hackers, or malicious “black-hat” hackers who would pose transnational cybersecurity challenges unless the government addresses them. During a recent interview with The Korea Herald, Son Tae-jong, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, stressed the need for Seoul to craft an effective strategy to help young computer buffs chart positive career paths and contribute to advancing national interests. “Considering that (gray-hat hackers) are often liberal and defiant, the nation should embrace them with a well-thought-out strategy. Otherwise, they could become cyberterrorists or black-hat hackers who would threaten national security,” said Son. Son also underscored the need to promote the positive aspects of the military’s cybersecurity operations as negative views about them have prevailed so far due to the cyberwarfare authorities’ alleged interference in domestic politics. The following is the interview with Son Tae-jong: […]