[Click e-Stock] ICTK Gains Attention Amid Telecom Hacking Incidents

Following the incident at SKT, a hacking incident has also occurred at KT. In KT's case, although the amount was small, actual financial losses were reported. On September 16, Hana Securities maintained its 'Buy' investment rating and target price of 28,000 won for ICTK, a company specializing in security System-on-Chip (SoC) and software using proprietary technology, stating that the recent hacking incidents at telecom companies and advancements in quantum technology have created favorable conditions for the company.

Suspicions have been raised that the cause of the recent KT hacking was an individual installing a small relay device to connect to the network and then stealing personal information. ICTK's VIA-PUF chip can fundamentally block unauthorized relay devices, thereby strengthening network security. The approach is to equip relay devices with the existing VIA-PUF chip, which was originally developed for mobile use. Kim Hongsik, an analyst at Hana Securities, explained, "Telecom companies have recognized that the VIA-PUF chip can be used for relay device security and are reportedly in discussions with ICTK," adding, "Since KT owns more than 100,000 femtocells and there are over 300,000 5G relay devices nationwide, this presents a revenue opportunity for ICTK." ICTK is the only company in the world capable of producing the physically unclonable VIA-PUF chip.

Meanwhile, research and development of quantum computers is accelerating, especially in advanced countries. There are growing concerns that quantum computers could instantly neutralize existing security systems. As a result, a favorable industrial ecosystem is forming for quantum cryptography companies like ICTK. Analyst Kim stated, "If ICTK secures supply contracts with global big tech companies or, as in this incident, the effectiveness of its PUF chips for telecom equipment is widely demonstrated, its performance will quickly improve," and added, "If quantum cryptography is the inevitable future, buying in advance is a wise choice."