AhnLab is undergoing a transformation to become an 'AI-native security platform company' by redesigning its products, services, and overall security operations around artificial intelligence (AI). Over the next three years, the company plans to invest 100 billion won in AI infrastructure and research and development (R&D), restructuring its products and business model to focus on Agentic AI and software as a service (SaaS). AhnLab aims to achieve 1 trillion won in revenue and over 30% of its sales from global markets by 2035.
During an 'AI Vision Declaration' press conference held on September 16 at the Westin Seoul Parnas in Gangnam, AhnLab CEO Kang Seok-kyun stated, "AhnLab's next step is the transition to AI, and we will grow into an AI-native security platform company," unveiling the company's long-term growth strategy centered on AI.
AhnLab also introduced its integrated brand 'AhnLab AI Plus' to clarify its AI transition. The strategy involves shifting from an 'AI-powered' approach, which applies AI to individual security products like antivirus and endpoint detection and response (EDR), to an 'AI-native' design that centers on AI across products, services, data, and security operations.
The core of AhnLab's AI-native transition is to have AI take over a significant portion of security tasks traditionally performed by humans. The company believes that relying solely on human-centered security responses has limitations, as AI will handle vulnerability scanning and attack path mapping. In the future, AI will connect scattered data to understand attack flows and suggest response measures.
To support this initiative, Kang announced a 100 billion won investment in AI over the next three years, aimed at enhancing infrastructure such as AI computing and data platforms, as well as strengthening R&D capabilities in AI technology and expertise. He noted, "Currently, over 30% of our revenue is invested in R&D, and future R&D investments will increasingly focus on AI."
This AI-native transition will be realized through security operations based on Agentic AI, where AI will manage the entire security process from threat detection to analysis, investigation, understanding attack flows and impacts, and formulating response strategies. AhnLab plans to expand the launch of its security operations platform 'AI Plus SecOps' in December.
However, AhnLab will not leave all decision-making to AI. The company adheres to a principle of 'controlled autonomy,' where AI will handle repetitive analysis and responses, but human oversight will be required for actions that could impact actual services, such as account or network blocking.
Alongside the AI transition, AhnLab plans to restructure its revenue model to focus on SaaS and subscription services. However, given that many domestic companies still operate in on-premises and hybrid environments, AhnLab will continue to support both SaaS and on-premises solutions through a two-track strategy.
In terms of specific products, AhnLab sees significant growth potential in EDR and extended detection and response (XDR). Kang stated, "If I had to name the fastest-growing area in AhnLab's business, it would be EDR," adding that he expects substantial investment in EDR over the next few years. XDR is generating more revenue overseas than domestically, and AhnLab plans to integrate AI-native features into both EDR and XDR for further growth.
AhnLab also aims to expand its international business based on its AI-native and SaaS transition. According to Kang, AhnLab's global sales share is expected to rise from 8.5% last year to over 10% this year. The company plans to strengthen its local business foundations by expanding operations through its subsidiaries in China and Japan, as well as a joint venture in Saudi Arabia, while also pursuing the establishment of a cyber defense center in the Middle East.
AhnLab has set a goal of achieving 1 trillion won in revenue and over 30% of its sales from global markets by 2035. Kang emphasized, "To increase our current revenue of 300 billion won to 1 trillion won, we need to achieve approximately 15% growth annually," adding that the company will pursue business expansion through existing business growth, new investments, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.