The Department of Homeland Security’s Automated Indicator Sharing (AIS) system added a new partner to its shared exchange, in the form of the Korea Internet and Security Agency.
The union allows American and South Korean interests to rapidly exchange cyber threat indicators. This could include everything from malicious IP addresses to data on the senders of phishing attempts.
U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) previously wrote to the DHS in support of adding South Korea to the system, over North Korean fears. Accordingly, they have since announced support for the new addition. Its new access will put South Korea on par with Japan, which joined the system last year.
“South Korea’s inclusion in the AIS program further strengthens our alliance and trilateral cooperation with Japan in facing shared cyber threats from North Korea and other malign actors,” Hirono said. “I appreciate DHS’ work to expand the AIS system which shares important threat indicators with the Hawaii State Fusion Center, enabling our state to better protect our communities and infrastructure against cyberattacks.”
The AIS works to protect both governmental and private interests, working toward a cyber-secure community at large. Thus far, 33 federal and 175 non-federal entities are connected to the system. Among these, 13 states are connected to AIS.
“South Korea is a close ally and this is an important step forward in our shared commitment to combat cyber threats,” Gardner said. “Our two countries need to continue to work together and with our allies to protect our shared interests and combat bad actors in cyberspace, including North Korea.”