Joo Hyeok Ko

Maritime Security Researcher

South Korea

About

As a Web3 security enthusiast with a background in military-grade IT operations, I bring hands-on experience across smart contract auditing, blockchain vulnerability assessment, and secure system architecture. I completed intensive training through the UPSide Academy (2nd cohort), and previously served as a Staff Sergeant in the Republic of Korea Navy, where I was responsible for the secure operation and maintenance of classified network systems. In parallel, I’ve contributed to open-source SDR projects like Osmocom and srsLTE, focusing on LTE protocol analysis and low-level stack implementation. This work naturally led to IoT vulnerability research, particularly in devices operating over LTE networks. I'm passionate about bridging deep technical insight with real-world security impact in the evolving Web3 and IoT landscapes.

Experience

  • Research Engineer at CYTUR Inc.
    Jul 2025 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Mentee of UPSide Academy 2nd at UPSide Academy
    Feb 2025 - May 2025 · 4 mos

    Mentee of UPSide Academy 2nd - Web3 Security Expert Development Program

  • 연구원 at SNTWORKS Inc.
    Dec 2023 - Jul 2024 · 8 mos

  • Cheif Petty Officer at 대한민국 해군
    Dec 2018 - Nov 2023 · 5 yrs

    Cyber Information Systems Operator (Cheif Petty Officer), Republic of Korea Navy – Performed Information Systems and Cybersecurity Operation