Cisco to Launch Cybersecurity Center of Excellence to Bolster Japan’s National Security and Digital Resilience

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News Summary:

Cisco will establish a Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Tokyo focusing on appointing a National Cybersecurity Advisor, deploying a Cisco Talos Intelligence team in Japan, and developing Japanese cybersecurity talent.

The Center will help businesses overcome the challenges brought by accelerated digitization and increased cybersecurity threats, aiming to strengthen digital resilience throughout Japan.

Cisco has set an ambitious target to train an additional 100,000 IT and cybersecurity learners over the next five years, building on the success of its Networking Academy program.

TOKYO, June 21, 2024 — Cisco Systems, Inc. (hereinafter “Cisco”), a global technology leader, has announced today the launch of the Cisco Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Tokyo dedicated to enhancing Japan’s cybersecurity defenses and digital resilience. The Center will play a pivotal role in shaping cybersecurity policies, fortifying threat intelligence collaborations, and expanding cybersecurity training to increase the pool of skilled professionals in the field. Its mission is to foster a secure, ethical, and robust digital ecosystem that aligns with Japan’s strategic objectives.

The rapid advancement of digitalization and the integration of AI technologies offers significant opportunities for Japanese enterprises. However, these developments also underscore the cybersecurity challenges they face. According to Cisco’s 2024 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, only 2% of organizations in Japan have a “mature” cybersecurity framework capable of adapting to cybersecurity threats and attacks.

As the industry’s evolution accelerates, the complexity of these challenges is expected to intensify. The Cisco Cybersecurity Center of Excellence aims to help enterprises navigate these evolving cybersecurity threats and build digital resilience. This initiative was announced by Cisco Chair and CEO, Chuck Robbins, following a meeting with Takeo Akiba, Secretary General of National Security Secretariat and National Security Advisor to the Cabinet who meets Chuck on behalf of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and other key Cabinet Ministers in Tokyo. The Center will focus on three key priority areas:

Appointment of a National Cybersecurity Advisor in Security & Trust Organization: Cisco will appoint a dedicated National Cybersecurity advisor in Japan to work closely with policymakers and industry leaders. The advisor’s mandate includes developing robust cybersecurity guidelines, advising on AI governance frameworks, and advancing security protocols for AI technologies.

Deployment of Cisco Talos Intelligence Expertise: Cisco Talos Intelligence Group is one of the most trusted threat intelligence research teams on the globe. We are comprised of world-class researchers, analysts, incident responders and engineers. Talos will have a dedicated presence in Japan, with experts focusing on sharing vital threat intelligence and cybersecurity insights. Their mission includes advising the Japanese government and key sectors on emerging cybersecurity developments to support a proactive response to digital threats.

Investment in Digital Talent: Cisco will expand its complementary, cutting-edge cybersecurity course offerings to be accessible to beginners with comprehensive Japanese language content to help address Japan’s shortage of IT and security talent. Through this program, Cisco aims to train an additional 100,000 learners in IT and cybersecurity over the next five years. This effort builds on Cisco Networking Academy’s 26-year legacy in Japan, which has provided IT skills training to more than 100,000 learners.

Rahm Emanuel, the 31st United States Ambassador to Japan, said: “Cybersecurity is national security and building robust digital defenses is a priority for all democracies. At a time when our adversaries are using cyberattacks to steal our secrets, cripple our infrastructure, and undermine our democratic institutions, Cisco’s new Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Tokyo will help Japan shore up the country’s digital ecosystem, train a much-needed pool of cyber experts, and add another layer of protection to our global cyber shield.”

Yoshiyuki Hamada, President of Cisco Japan, said: “As digital threats continue to evolve, Cisco’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence stands as a marker of innovation and education to help safeguard Japanese organizations from cybersecurity threats and attacks. This Center reaffirms Cisco’s dedication to enhancing Japan’s digital landscape and ensuring a secure and inclusive future for all.”