Hitachi, NEC, SoftBank and Fujitsu are expanding AI-based cybersecurity services as businesses and municipalities face growing pressure to identify and fix system vulnerabilities
Tokyo : A surge in cyberattacks targeting companies in Japan is creating new business opportunities for technology and cybersecurity firms, with major players increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to strengthen digital defenses.
As sophisticated AI models become capable of identifying large numbers of vulnerabilities in computer systems, companies and local governments are facing growing pressure to detect and fix security weaknesses quickly. This is driving demand for services that can continuously monitor systems, identify vulnerabilities and provide rapid recovery support following cyber incidents.
Hitachi launches AI-based vulnerability assessment service
Hitachi, Ltd. announced Thursday that it has launched a new service designed to diagnose computer systems and identify and address vulnerabilities using advanced AI models developed by U.S.-based Google LLC and OpenAI.
The service is also designed to provide recovery support, helping customers restore their systems quickly in the event of a cyber incident.
Hitachi President Toshiaki Tokunaga highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity in the age of advanced artificial intelligence.
“We must protect society from the risks of the AI era,” Tokunaga said.
NEC targets ¥30 billion in sales
NEC Corp. is also preparing to launch a similar cybersecurity service using advanced AI models developed by companies including U.S.-based startup Anthropic PBC.
NEC plans to introduce the service by the end of September and is targeting ¥30 billion in sales over three years.
The company’s move reflects the growing commercial potential of AI-powered cybersecurity as businesses seek more sophisticated ways to protect critical systems and data.
Cyberattacks disrupt business operations
The growing demand for cybersecurity services comes as cyberattacks and system failures are increasingly disrupting the operations of major Japanese companies.
Last autumn, Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. and office-supply mail-order company Askul Corp. were forced to stop accepting orders and shipping products following system disruptions.
The impact was significant. Asahi Group Holdings’ consolidated revenue for the fiscal year ended December 2025 declined by approximately ¥69.5 billion.
In July, frozen-food major Nichirei Corp. also suffered disruptions affecting product shipments and other operations.
Meanwhile, incidents involving the leakage of personal information continue to be reported, adding to concerns over corporate cybersecurity.
Demand for cybersecurity specialists is rising
The growing sophistication of cyber threats is also changing the role of technology companies.
Traditionally, system developers would design and deliver systems and then handle their maintenance and operation for customers. However, advanced AI models can now identify large numbers of system vulnerabilities, creating a need for technology companies to strengthen both their services and specialist workforce.
Companies increasingly need cybersecurity teams capable of responding to vulnerabilities immediately and continuously rather than addressing security issues only during periodic maintenance.
SoftBank expands cybersecurity workforce
SoftBank Group Corp. entered the Japanese cyber defense market with a new cybersecurity service in July.
As part of the initiative, the company increased the number of cybersecurity specialists by around 20 times to approximately 1,000, enabling it to provide broader security support to corporate clients.
The expansion demonstrates how cybersecurity is becoming a significant growth area for Japan’s technology and telecommunications industry.
Fujitsu creates dedicated cybersecurity organization
Fujitsu Ltd. announced in August that it would establish a new specialized organization with approximately 100 employees focused on cybersecurity.
The organization will use Fujitsu’s own AI and other technologies to continuously identify and analyse potential signs of cyberattacks.
It will also work directly with the management teams of client companies to develop and implement broader cyber defense strategies.
Fujitsu Corporate Executive Officer Masahiro Ota stressed that cybersecurity can no longer be treated solely as an issue for technical departments.
“It is becoming increasingly important for management to take the lead and work together with frontline staff to implement cyber defense measures,” Ota said.
Japan remains heavily dependent on foreign AI models
Despite the rapid expansion of AI-based cybersecurity services, Japan faces another challenge: its heavy dependence on foreign-developed AI models.
High-performance AI systems currently playing a central role in cybersecurity are largely developed outside Japan, particularly in the United States and China.
A survey conducted by MM Research Institute, Ltd. among corporate cybersecurity personnel found that 67% expressed concern about dependence on foreign-made AI models.
Such dependence raises concerns over data security as well as the possibility that access to foreign AI systems could be restricted for national-security or other reasons.
Companies worry, for example, that sensitive data could potentially be exposed outside Japan or that foreign governments could impose restrictions on the use of particular AI models.
Calls for greater use of open-source AI
Tasuku Kashiwamura, a researcher at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute Co., said Japan needs to prepare for these risks while continuing to take advantage of advanced AI technology.
“Most high-performance AI models have been developed in the United States and China,” Kashiwamura said.
He suggested that Japan should consider using widely available open-source AI models, among other measures, to reduce the risks associated with excessive dependence on foreign technology.
Cybersecurity emerging as a major AI business opportunity
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence is creating a paradox for businesses.
While advanced AI models can make cyberattacks more sophisticated, the same technology can also help companies identify vulnerabilities, detect suspicious activity and respond to threats more quickly.
For Japanese technology companies, this is creating a rapidly expanding market for AI-powered cybersecurity services.
Hitachi, NEC, SoftBank and Fujitsu are among the major companies positioning themselves to benefit from this trend.
As cyberattacks become increasingly disruptive and companies face mounting regulatory, financial and reputational risks, cybersecurity is moving from a technical back-office function to a strategic priority for corporate management.
The challenge for Japan will be to expand these capabilities while also reducing its dependence on foreign AI technology and ensuring that sensitive corporate and national data remains secure.
