Professor Shozo Naito
Former Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
Senior Researcher, Information Sharing Platform Laboratory
Director, Cyber Kyoto Laboratory
Professor Shozo Naito worked for (formerly) Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Company (currently NTT) as the Head Researcher in the Information & Distribution Platform Laboratory and is a specialist in networks and information security. In light of the outbreak of the new coronavirus, Professor Naito will discuss the current status and challenges of networks and security in Japan and around the world.
There is a drive for digitalization, with security and balance in mind.
Promoting digitalization is an essential direction to move in for Japan
Due to the Corona Pandemic, it triggered a push for the digitalization of society and the use of IT.With the Digital Agency established by the Japanese government in September 2021, it seems the speed of digitalization will pick up.
Cyberspace is full of viruses and new ones are being created every day.Of course, the real world is also facing challenges with virus variants and the like.However, our lifestyles are changing in response to these developments.Japan's digitalization has lagged behind in some areas compared to the rest of the world.Nevertheless, remote work has finally become widespread, and recently, driven by the concept of digital transformation (DX—which refers to improving people’s lives by integrating digital technology and bringing about revolutionary innovations that fundamentally overturn existing values and frameworks), efforts to promote digitization in various ways are beginning to gain momentum.I suppose the government will be promoting this through the Digital Agency, but I think it’s a necessary direction for the private sector as well.I think we have no choice but to move forward with the mindset of turning various risks—such as the pandemic and labor shortages—into opportunities.
However, as dependence on the network increases, security risks naturally rise.Networks and security are like the two wheels of a car—they complement each other—so it’s important to always keep their balance in mind.For example, while the use of Zoom for classes spread rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, some companies have implemented online conferencing systems with varying levels of security.Furthermore, when it comes to bank account verification, there is a need to strike a balance between the level of thoroughness required and considerations such as individual privacy.It is important to choose a solution by balancing what you want to do with the required level of security.This means that in order to promote digitization and the shift to online services, we must always keep in mind the need to strike a balance with security.
Debate Over How Far We Can Go in Retaliating Against Cyberattacks
‐It seems that international cyberattacks are on the rise and becoming more intense.
Cyberattacks targeting major elections and events are often in the news.In terms of defense as well, some countries appear to be establishing space and cyber forces, viewing space and cyberspace—beyond land, sea, and air—as the fourth and fifth battlefields, or areas requiring a response.We have no choice but to strengthen our defenses against cyberattacks, and we will likely need to reach an international consensus on the extent of those defenses.Just as with the issue of missiles’ ability to strike enemy bases, there is ongoing debate regarding the extent to which counterattacks against cyberattacks are possible and how far one can go in attacking the sites launching the attacks.The missile base is probably located in their own country, but the same can’t necessarily be said for the sites launching cyberattacks.It’s not like we can’t host the server at a facility overseas, after all.That’s why it’s essential to have those coping skills.I think the question of what countermeasures are effective against cyberattacks will continue to be debated.
Cyberattacks also occur in the private sector.After all, there are a lot of assets on the network.Starting with cryptocurrencies, money is exchanged through digital currency and electronic payment systems, and information such as stock certificates and real estate records is also a form of electronic data.Japanese companies are frequently targeted for their intellectual property and other information.大きな企業は常に，サイバー上の様々な攻撃にさらされています。Since there is no such thing as a perfect security measure, it is necessary to prepare countermeasures.
On a network, information is essentially always being viewed.
‐We, as ordinary citizens, are also exposed to the threats of everyday cyberattacks and cybercrime.
I’d like to use electronic payments and e-money because they’re convenient, but since they’re also easy targets for fraud, it’s important to always stay vigilant.While apps and the like offer convenient features, I think we need to recognize that they also harbor security pitfalls and risks.For example, if you connect to just any random free Wi-Fi network simply because it’s convenient, your connection could be eavesdropped on or your information could be targeted.This means that, on a network, information is essentially always being viewed—it is constantly being eavesdropped on and monitored.Always assume that someone is reading the information you send.Always keep this in mind when accessing the internet, and whenever you provide personal information—such as details about your bank account—ask yourself, “Would it be okay if someone saw this?”For example, thinking that this information should be properly encrypted before being sent.It's difficult, but it's essential to always keep that in mind.I hope that, with this mindset and commitment, you will all grow into professionals who can use technology to build a safer future.