EBS program explores cryptography and next-generation security technologies

The upcoming EBS program "Why Are Passwords Compromised So Often?" will examine the principles of cryptography and next-generation technologies like CKKS on November 6. The broadcast follows a recent $6.3 billion Binance hacking incident to explore how advancements in encryption can protect sensitive data in the quantum computing era.

Even in South Korea, which is called an IT powerhouse, news of hacking and personal information leaks continues unabated. The EBS program "Why Are Passwords Compromised So Often?" under the series "Science as a Hobby" is a broadcast that re-examines what cryptography is in an era of growing anxiety. Airing on EBS1 at 10:50 PM on November 6, MC Defconn, Kwangwoon University chemistry professor Jang Hong-je, science communicator Hangseong, and Duksung Women's University pharmacy professor Jeong U-hyeon will meet Seoul National University mathematical sciences professor Cheon Jeong-hee to explore the principles of cryptography and next-generation cryptographic technologies preparing for the quantum computing era.

The program explains the basic concepts of cryptography starting from ancient examples. It examines the history and principles of cryptography through different eras, from the scytale cipher and Caesar cipher to the Enigma used during World War II. While cryptography began as a method to hide information, today it is used as a core means of protecting information in online shopping, financial transactions, and personal information management. The program is structured to revisit the working principles of cryptography in a situation where news of hacking and leaks repeats despite the label of being an IT powerhouse.

The cast members are also given a code-breaking mission. Defconn, who challenged high-difficulty cryptographic problems, eventually threw up his hands, saying, "I just won't hack anymore." Through such scenes, the broadcast reveals that cryptography is not a simple puzzle but a technology directly linked to actual security. It follows with an explanation that understanding cryptography is the starting point for a safe digital life. Professor Cheon Jeong-hee emphasizes that above all, we must not stop our interest and efforts to protect our information.

Homomorphic Encryption and the Computational Methods Opened by CKKS

One of the core elements of this broadcast is homomorphic encryption. Homomorphic encryption is a technology that allows for computation while in an encrypted state. Professor Cheon Jeong-hee has gained attention in the global cryptography community for co-developing CKKS technology, which expands the limits of existing homomorphic encryption. This technology makes it possible to perform various calculations, such as adding or multiplying numbers, without decrypting the code. It expands the possibility of analyzing and utilizing data without disclosing personal information.

According to the program introduction, CKKS is presented as a technology that will open new possibilities for privacy protection. The broadcast explores its potential applications in fields that require handling sensitive information, such as medical and genomic analysis and artificial intelligence training. The fact that operations are possible without decrypting the code shows a point of divergence from traditional data utilization methods. Below is a summary of the flow of cryptographic technology described in the broadcast explanation.

The Security Environment Viewed Through Frequent Hacking

A reference article provided an explanation of why hacking has been occurring more frequently and more widely recently. The hacking incident that occurred at Binance, the world's largest virtual asset exchange, on the 29th of last month was introduced as a case where damages reached $6.3 billion (approximately 8.4 trillion won), the largest scale for a single hacking event. It was reported that North Korean hackers approached by planting malware on the laptop of a Binance official to penetrate the internal system. It was noted that a hacking strategy using people was employed.

Kim Myeong-ju, director of the AI Safety Research Institute, explained the difference between current hacking and traditional hacking, stating that by utilizing AI, the search itself can be automated. He explained that if attackers obtain tools that find system vulnerabilities using AI, they can become targets of attack. The table below summarizes the damage scale and related figures from the reference article.

The scale of the leak at Shinhan Bank was mentioned as 25,700 people. In the same article, Kim explained that attacks utilizing AI have strengths in repetition and automation. However, the content in the article is limited to confirmed damage scales and technical explanations.

The Next Step of Cryptography Preparing for the Quantum Computing Era

The broadcast also covers next-generation cryptographic technologies preparing for the quantum computing era. CKKS, co-developed by Professor Cheon Jeong-hee, is introduced as a technology that goes beyond simply hiding information to enabling computation while it remains hidden. This is described as a technology that enables necessary analysis without revealing personal information. The program introduction mentions a future where data can be utilized while protecting sensitive information, including medical/genomic analysis and AI training.

KT announced that it succeeded in 4.8km wireless quantum cryptography communication this past January. This is a two-fold increase from the 2km achieved in 2023, making it the longest distance in South Korea, though it differs from the case where China recently connected 12,900km using a quantum communication satellite. Lee Won-yeol, an executive at KT's Future Network Research Institute, suggested a hybrid strategy, stating that QKD and PQC must be mixed. He noted that while it is possible to establish QKD systems between military bases, intelligence agencies, and medical institutions, it is difficult to apply it to general consumers' smartphones. A plan to apply QKD to wired connection sections and PQC to wireless sections was also mentioned.

EBS "Science as a Hobby" covers the history and principles of cryptography along with next-generation technologies like CKKS. The broadcast is scheduled for November 6 at 10:50 PM on EBS1. The program introduction and reference articles show the issues of hacking and security from different angles. The structure of this broadcast presents that understanding cryptography and following technological changes are both necessary.

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