The impact of cyberattacks is becoming increasingly severe. Industries such as healthcare, finance, and energy infrastructure have been frequent targets, but ransomware attacks on general businesses and supply chain disruptions are also on the rise. Cyberattacks can happen to any organization, and it is becoming harder for businesses to defend against them on their own.
At Cyber Initiative Tokyo 2024, through two days of specialized sessions, we will provide a comprehensive view of the global landscape and practical strategies to help management-level professionals ensure the continuity of sustainable operations. In an era where everyone is exposed to threats, we aim to equip management teams with the necessary insights to take effective action.
This year, our discussions will focus on two key themes:
Furthermore, Cyber Initiative Tokyo emphasizes a global perspective. In collaboration with the Munich Cyber Security Conference (MCSC), which is held alongside the long-established Munich Security Conference (MSC), we will provide the latest international insights.
As international tensions rise, countries and regions are updating their respective cyber strategies. In Japan, the National Information Security Center (NISC) has been strengthened, and discussions on proactive cyber defense are underway. This session will explore the latest developments in cyber strategies across various regions, focusing on the ideal forms of international collaboration and public-private partnerships.
Transparency in security and resilience
Is Generative AI “Poison” or “Cure” for Cybersecurity?
While generative AI offers numerous benefits, it also introduces various risks, such as misinformation, copyright infringement, human rights and ethical concerns, and its potential misuse in cybercrime. A recent incident in May, where a man in his 20s was arrested for using generative AI to create ransomware, highlights these risks. This session will delve into the cyber risks associated with the adoption and utilization of generative AI and discuss appropriate countermeasures to mitigate these threats.
ServiceNow's practice of cyber risk management 
AI-Powered Continuous Diagnostics & Mitigations!
While emerging technologies offer significant benefits, they also bring new risks that need to be addressed. This session will delve into the impact of advanced technologies, including the semiconductor field—now even more critical with the rise of generative AI—and the associated risks from a cybersecurity perspective. Panelists will discuss both the opportunities and the challenges posed by these cutting-edge innovations.
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for "safe manufacturing," with increasing mandates for risk management using SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) and the introduction of security conformity assessments for IoT devices. This session will discuss the ideal practices for ensuring the safety of products and services, along with the challenges that manufacturers face in meeting these heightened security expectations.
Comprehensive cybersecurity laws, such as the Cyber Resilience Act and NIS2 Directive, have been enacted in Europe, targeting a wide range of industries. Japanese companies conducting business in Europe are also required to comply with these regulations. Non-compliance poses significant risks, including substantial fines and potential suspension of sales in the European market. This session will explore the necessary measures that businesses should take, featuring insights from industry experts.
Accurate information is essential for making informed decisions, yet the spread of disinformation has made it increasingly difficult to act correctly. The illegal distribution of information is causing social disorder, division, and distrust. In the international arena, "data security" has emerged as a new pillar to ensure trust, and similar initiatives are gaining traction in Japan. This session will discuss the ideal approach to information circulation, considering global trends and the need to foster a reliable, trustworthy society.
As technological advancements like cloud utilization and the rise of generative AI accelerate, new threats emerge daily, increasing the importance of cyber resilience strategies. The role of CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers) is becoming more crucial as they act as a bridge between business leaders and IT/security teams. This session will explore the key strategies needed to enhance cyber resilience, how to foster a security-driven organizational culture, and what priorities and focus areas CISOs and other leaders in this role should address in the coming years.
With the rapid escalation of cybersecurity threats, the Japanese government and ruling parties are preparing to submit a legislative proposal for the introduction of “Proactive Cyber Defense” to the regular Diet session in January 2025. This proposed measure aims to preemptively neutralize potential cyberattacks. In this session, we will discuss the critical role of intelligence in cyber defense, ethical considerations in data collection, and strategies for developing and retaining top-tier cybersecurity talent. Joining us for this discussion will be Sir Jeremy Fleming, former Director of the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). This session offers valuable insights into strengthening national cybersecurity amidst rising global threats.
What is the security strategy to overcome 
What is XDR, an innovative vendor-free managed service that fully leverages AI while maintaining the same suite of installed security products?
Ransomware attacks are on the rise, with increasingly sophisticated techniques causing significant harm. Victimized companies often face encrypted data, system shutdowns, and enormous financial losses. This session will invite experts involved in investigating ransomware incidents to discuss what happens when an attack occurs, the necessary response actions, and the effective measures organizations should take to protect themselves from such threats. Additionally, the Head of the European Cybercrime Centre at Europol will deliver a short speech on the latest developments in the investigation of ransomware groups at the beginning.
*Honorifics and titles omitted, names in no particular order.
**Please be advised that agenda, speakers, presentation themes are subject to change.
In December 2018, Nikkei Inc. and Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. launched the Cyber Initiative Tokyo, an international conference that brings together experts, academics and policy makers from Japan and abroad. It will be held for the seventh time this year. The conference focuses on cross industry, public-private collaboration and globalization, and invites experts in the field of security from Japan and abroad for open discussions on technology, management, legal systems and policy. It will promote information sharing with corporate executives and government officials. The content of the discussions will be distributed online to widely disseminate the latest themes in cyber security.
