On February 6, 2025, GMO Internet Group launched its groundbreaking service - the "GMO Security 24," touted as the world's first comprehensive cybersecurity service available for free around the clock. This initiative is part of the company’s broader project titled "Network Security Also By GMO," aiming to provide accessible security solutions to everyone.
The newly launched service is equipped with two primary features: the password leak and website risk diagnosis tool, and the security consultation AI chatbot. The password leak tool allows users to check whether their email-linked passwords have been compromised, using data from the well-known service "Have I Been Pwned." Users can simply enter their email address and get insights on any past breaches. Meanwhile, the website risk diagnosis examines user-managed sites and checks for vulnerabilities across four main risk categories: weakness, cloud usage, impersonation, and eavesdropping.
The AI chatbot is another extraordinary feature of this service. Utilizing advanced AI technology developed by GMO's engineers, the chatbot can address security-related concerns and questions posed by users, whether it’s about personal devices or business-related inquiries. For example, users may ask about security measures for their smartphones or inquire deeply about data protection specifics for platforms like Amazon S3.
At the launch event, Masatoshi Kumagai, the representative of the GMO Internet Group, explained the necessity of this service by pointing out the stark increase in cyberattacks, emphasizing, "AI development makes security increasingly important as the internet takes on more significant roles within our social infrastructure. Ensuring safety online is an urgent issue we face today."
Citing reports from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Kumagai noted, "Cyberattack packets observed skyrocketed to approximately 619.7 billion as of last year, marking nearly tenfold growth since 2015. Following these numbers, 51% of companies suffering ransomware attacks reported halting operations, and 45% experienced substantial revenue reductions." Such alarming statistics demonstrate the pressing need for improved cybersecurity measures.
With the launch of "GMO Security 24," GMO Internet Group seeks to address these issues and make cybersecurity easy and accessible for its expansive user base, ensuring everyone has the means to protect themselves online. Kumagai expressed aspirations for the service saying, "Through this project, I seek to establish cybersecurity as one of the major pillars of our business background, similar to infrastructure and finance."
Following this launch, GMO plans to hold its second phase event on March 6, 2025: the "GMO Cybersecurity Congress and Award Ceremony 2025." This major event will feature discussions led by notable experts, including Professor Yutaka Matsuo from the University of Tokyo, to both celebrate significant contributions to cybersecurity and outline future endeavors to bolster internet safety.
If anything, this initiative's arrival highlights not just the rapid evolution of the digital age but also the corresponding rise of its threats. The overall strategy for "GMO Security 24" stands as a reminder of the potential for technology to keep citizens safer. Kumagai firmly believes this project could lead to realization of their motto, "A Secure Future for Everyone."Though still early days for the GMO cybersecurity service, it is set to change how users worldwide engage with their online security, providing insights and ease of access previously unavailable. The company aims to expand these offerings continuously, ensuring its services meet the shifting terrains of the online security field.
With around 1,100 of the 8,000 employees engaged explicitly within the security domain, GMO Internet Group emphasizes their commitment to create not only safer options available for individuals but also guide businesses through the complex waters of digital defense, one security measure at a time. The hope remains strong - help create not only safer technological interactions but also build organizational structures capable of responding to potential threats.
GMO Internet Group is aspiring to lead not only as the largest provider of internet services but as the most reliable source of cybersecurity solutions, making it easier for users across all sectors to navigate and secure their digital spaces effectively.