Institutional Challenges for Cyber Counterintelligence in the Defense Industry

The defense industry refers to the sector engaged in the research and development (R&D), production, maintenance, and supply of goods and services essential for enhancing national defense capabilities. Beyond the mere manufacturing of weapons, it has emerged as a core strategic asset in safeguarding national security and sovereignty. This study analyzes 30 publicly disclosed domestic and international cyber intrusion cases targeting the defense industry between 2019 and 2023, employing the Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) framework for both quantitative and qualitative assessment, and reviews existing laws and regulations related to security. The analysis identifies structural limitations, notably the absence of detection capabilities at the terminal points of the supply chain and a legal framework predominantly focused on “technology protection,” which is insufficient to accommodate and support proactive defense concepts such as active deception and counter-infiltration measures. Accordingly, this study benchmarks advanced defense security models from leading countries and proposes institutional measures including the enactment of an independent cyber counterintelligence law, the establishment of a dedicated defense cyber counterintelligence center, the adoption of active defense technologies such as honeypots and threat intelligence platforms, and the development of multilateral information-sharing mechanisms.