In 2026, South Korea has upgraded MIC Certification to include strict cybersecurity, tiered management, and heavier penalties.

I. 2026 Core New Rules

Enforcement of the IoT Security Act has made cybersecurity a mandatory pass/fail item.

All smart wireless devices must:

1.Ban default weak passwords; force user‑defined strong passwords.

2.Support secure OTA updates: min 3 years for general IoT, 5 years for medical/V2X.

3.Use TLS 1.3+ encryption; biometric data must be stored locally in Korea.

4.Report vulnerabilities to KCC within 24 hours and release patches within 72 hours.

  II. Expanded Scope & Tiered Management

1.General TierLow‑power short‑range devices; simplified online declaration, 1–2 weeks.

2.High‑Risk TierMedical IoT, V2X, industrial wireless; annual re‑certification, all documents in Korean.

3.Critical Infrastructure TierPower, transport; quarterly security assessments + annual penetration testing.

Change:Even some receive‑only IoT devices now require cybersecurity compliance.

  III. Streamlined Process & New Documents

·Low‑power devices: fully online, faster.

·New mandatory documents:Cybersecurity Assessment Report + Vulnerability Response Plan.

·Still required: Korean local agent with legal responsibility.

  IV. Severe Penalties in 2026

·Selling without certification: up to ₩500 million per unit + 4% of global revenue.

·Unfixed vulnerabilities: up to ₩100 million per day.

·Shortening update period: up to ₩300 million + product recall.

·Data breach: up to 3% of global revenue.

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