From Anti-Hacking Shields to Robot Arms... Cybersecurity Showdown Comes to Busan

Cybersecurity Conference to Kick Off at BEXCO Nov. 4-5

Spotlight on Security in Finance, Maritime and Shipping, and AI Threats

Final Round of Yeongnam Region Cyberattack Defense Competition Also to Be Held

A forum to discuss cyber threats targeting Busan's financial, maritime and shipping industries, as well as AI security measures, will be held at BEXCO.

As artificial intelligence (AI) spreads throughout industries and everyday life, cyberattacks are entering a new phase. The forum will seek solutions to rapidly evolving cyber threats, from security risks targeting Busan's key industries, including finance, maritime affairs and shipping, to attacks exploiting AI.

Busan City Mayor Jeon Jae-su announced on Nov. 2 that the "2026 Busan Cybersecurity Conference" will be held at BEXCO Exhibition Center II from Nov. 4 to 5. Under the theme "Busan, a Safe Cyber Maritime Capital in the AI Era," the conference is co-hosted by Busan City, a branch of the National Intelligence Service and the Korea Housing Finance Corporation, and organized by the Korea Institute of Information Security and Cryptology.

The event will feature five programs: lectures, a technology exhibition, an experience zone, a cyberattack defense competition and an academic conference.

On the first day, a keynote address will be given on the topic of "Strategies for Using AI in an Era of Rapidly Evolving Cyber Threats." Five lectures will also cover strategies for strengthening national security systems and governance. The final round of the second Yeongnam Region Cyberattack Defense Competition will take place that day, giving participants a chance to test their practical skills in defending against cyberattacks.

On the second day, six lectures will focus on the finance, maritime and shipping sectors, reflecting Busan's industrial characteristics. Four more lectures will address security threats posed by agentic AI and physical AI. The Yeongnam Branch of the Korea Institute of Information Security and Cryptology will also hold an academic conference.

Visitors will be able to experience cybersecurity firsthand at the exhibition center. The technology exhibition, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the event, will showcase security-related technologies. The AI and Digital Experience Zone will offer interactive activities, including AI security experiences, lockpicking and a robot arm photo zone.

"With major hacking incidents occurring one after another both at home and abroad, cybersecurity is no longer a choice but a matter of survival," said Heo Namsik, director of Busan City's Administrative Autonomy Bureau. "We hope to find solutions to address rapidly evolving threats and expand the foundations for cooperation."

The conference is free and open to anyone interested in cybersecurity. On-site registration will also be available on the day of the event.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.