LG Uplus said on March 10 it will join hands with homomorphic encryption specialist CryptoLab to implement a next-generation security environment that can fundamentally block damage even from hacking or data leaks.

The companies are conducting a proof of concept to apply homomorphic encryption technology to LG Uplus' AI call agent ixi-O and its AI contact centre. If commercialised, the technology is expected to strengthen protection of customer data against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

Homomorphic encryption is a technology that allows data to be computed and used while remaining encrypted. With existing encryption methods, data must be decrypted to be used. That is inconvenient for companies, so in many cases they do not encrypt data in the first place. LG Uplus explained that hacking targets such unencrypted "plain-text data."

Using data through homomorphic encryption, by contrast, can fundamentally block hacking damage. Because it does not decrypt data, even if hacking occurs what the hacker obtains is only ciphertext that cannot be deciphered. Homomorphic encryption is also built on lattice-based cryptography, like post-quantum cryptography (PQC), enabling data protection that is safe even against cyberattacks using quantum computers.

LG Uplus and CryptoLab are currently testing ways to apply homomorphic encryption to the ixi-O AI call agent. ixi-O uses an on-device approach to generate various call data within the device, such as converting voice calls to text. With homomorphic encryption, keywords in call content can be searched without decrypting call data.

LG Uplus expects homomorphic encryption to play a key role in AI contact centre security as well. Applying homomorphic encryption to an AI contact centre would allow sensitive customer information to be stored entirely in encrypted form, while enabling large-scale data comparison and analysis without decryption.

Jae-hyun Jang (장재현), head of the CTO Tech Intelligence Team at LG Uplus, said, "We will complete an infrastructure that allows customers to use services with peace of mind by integrating CryptoLab's world-class computing speed and noise-removal technology into our services."

Cheon Jeong-hee (천정희), CEO of CryptoLab, said, "Through cooperation with LG Uplus, we were able to confirm the feasibility of applying homomorphic encryption technology to real services." She added, "We will continue to contribute to creating an environment for safe data use across various industries."