"JP-US-EU Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Week for the Indo-Pacific Region" Held

• * IPA ICSCoE Website

** invited countries/regions: ASEAN member states, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Mongolia and Taiwan

1. Outline of the event

METI and the ICSCoE hosted the JP-US-EU Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Week in collaboration with the US government (DHS/CISA, DOS) as well as the European Commission (DG CONNECT) from November 12 to 15, 2024.

Cybersecurity measures are more effective when implemented jointly by several organizations or countries. To combat the growing threats stemming from increased digitization and interconnectedness, the geopolitical importance of cybersecurity and cooperation among like-minded countries is indispensable. The Cybersecurity Week was first launched in 2018 by Japan in collaboration with the U.S. with the aims of enhancing cybersecurity capacity within the Indo-Pacific region and reinforcing collaboration with respective countries. Recognizing its value, the European Union (EU) officially joined this annual ICS cybersecurity exercise from 2021. 

The ICS Cybersecurity Week hosted participants from the Indo-Pacific region who are information and operational cybersecurity experts from critical infrastructure operators, cybersecurity experts from national Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs), and policy experts from relevant ministries and authorities etc.

This year, we particularly focused on strengthening corporate supply chain resilience. We conducted industry-specific workshops using virtual scenarios that incorporate industry-specific risks and case studies, as well as hands-on exercises on cyberattacks utilizing AI in the industrial control sector. Additionally, we held workshops in collaboration with the United States on network threat analysis and incident response. Furthermore, seminars led by experts from Japan, the U.S., and the EU were offered on two topics: awareness of policy issues and initiatives by government officials in each region; and, supply chain risk management. Through this event, participants were able to acquire knowledge, enhance their thinking on cybersecurity policy and tangibly improve their cybersecurity capabilities. 

The program also contributed to establishing a common understanding on ICS cybersecurity and strengthening relationships between the Indo-Pacific region and Japan, the U.S. and the EU, which will become a foundation for further international cooperation in jointly addressing growing cybersecurity threats. Under the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” METI and the ICSCoE will continuously endeavor to enhance the cybersecurity capacity of the whole region, in particular by reinforcing measures for critical infrastructure. 

2. Training program

 

Participants from the Indo-Pacific region

• Program, names of speakers

Workshop (Sector-specific discussions)

Using virtual scenarios that incorporate industry-specific risks, case studies, and security/safety requirements, participants engaged in group discussions simulating cyberattacks. Participants had an opportunity to learn practically how to address cyber risks faced by businesses and organizations.

• Ph.D. KADOBAYASHI Youki
  Adviser/Professor, Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan / Nara Institute of Science and Technology

Hands-on Training

Dr. MITSUNAGA Takuho
Associate Professor, Faculty of Information Networking for Innovation And Design (INIAD), Toyo University
(Lecturer,　ICSCoE IPA)

Workshop (Network threat analysis and incident response)

Related Links

• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, CISA
• Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology
• IPA, Industrial Cyber Security Center of Excellence, ICSCoE

Division in Charge

Cybersecurity Division, Commerce and Information Policy Bureau