[DigitalToday reporter Jin-ho Lee] KT said on Wednesday it will strengthen pre-emptive blocking measures and real-time monitoring against digital financial fraud such as voice phishing and smishing during the Lunar New Year holiday period.

KT commercialised its "Artificial Intelligence (AI) Voice Phishing Detection Service 2.0" in July last year, the first in South Korea. It operates a three-layer detection system that combines context-based detection that analyses call content in real time with speaker recognition that identifies criminals' actual voices and Deepvoice detection technology that distinguishes AI-altered voices.

During the Lunar New Year holiday period, it is running a campaign to expand installation of the Voice Phishing Detection Service 2.0 by using guidance messages on the "Whowho" app to help prevent 피해. It also plans to distribute an upgraded version that all Android device users can install. KT is also operating a Spam Rapid Response Task Force to respond to smishing texts.

KT is also conducting on-site prevention activities to protect digitally vulnerable groups. Ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, it provided voice phishing prevention education for seniors at the Jongno Senior Welfare Center in Seoul. KT's signature corporate social responsibility programme, IT Supporters, took part directly and provided guidance on key types and response tips based on real cases.

Lee Byung-moo (이병무), an executive director at KT's AX Innovation Support Division, said: "We are mobilising AI security technology and public-private cooperation systems in preparation for times when financial fraud is rampant." He added: "We will continue to place digital safety as our top value and take the lead in preventing customer 피해."