Japan's tech business SoftBank rolls out OpenAI 'patches' against cyberattacks
SoftBank Group Corp. launched an AI-powered patching service using OpenAI technology to defend Japan’s top 3,000 infrastructure companies against escalating cyberattacks, calling the threat a 'crisis.' The joint venture SB OAI Japan will offer free vulnerability diagnoses at the launch event in Tokyo, with OpenAI’s Mark Chen representing the company due to Sam Altman’s absence.
Japan’s SoftBank Group Corp. introduced a new AI-driven cybersecurity service in Tokyo on Tuesday, leveraging OpenAI’s technology to safeguard critical infrastructure. The initiative targets the nation’s top 3,000 companies—including those managing airports, power systems, and transportation—after CEO Masayoshi Son labeled cyber threats a 'crisis,' likening them to a machine-gun assault compared to past vulnerabilities. The 'patching service' will first identify weaknesses in systems before applying fixes to close security gaps. SoftBank and OpenAI established a 50:50 joint venture, SB OAI Japan, last year to develop and market AI services exclusively for the Japanese market. At the launch, attendees received free vulnerability assessments, though no financial details were disclosed. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who was set to attend, sent a video message citing the premature birth of his daughter as the reason for his absence. Mark Chen, OpenAI’s chief researcher, represented the company instead. The partnership aims to counter the rising complexity of AI-driven cyberattacks, which have surged exponentially in recent years. SoftBank framed the initiative as a moral duty, framing attackers as 'the bad guys' in public statements. The service’s rollout marks a significant step in Japan’s efforts to bolster cyber defenses amid growing global threats.
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