#Japan #Tokyo #Buffalo #JC-STAR #BS-MS20P

Buffalo's Multi-Gigabit Switch Achieves JC-STAR Certification

In a significant development for cybersecurity in the IoT sector, Buffalo Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has announced that its BS-MS20P series of multi-gigabit switches has met the requirements of the JC-STAR certification. This certification, orchestrated by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and administered by the Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA), aims to enhance the security standards for IoT products.

To attain this prestigious label, the latest firmware must be installed on the BS-MS20P series devices. The registration number for this certification is 2025100100001021.

Rising Importance of IoT Security

With the rapid proliferation of IoT products, the significance of robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. Recognizing this, the JC-STAR (Japan Cyber-Security Technical Assessment Requirements) launched in March 2025 to offer a structured framework for evaluating and visualizing the security levels of IoT devices.

Buffalo has committed to this initiative since its inception, actively pursuing certification for its products and expanding its range of compliant offerings. The company aims to ensure that customers can enjoy a secure and comfortable internet experience by continuously developing and providing high-security standard products. Notably, Buffalo is also a participant in the collaborative working group that advises on the creation of security requirements and evaluation guidelines for the JC-STAR certification program.

New Products Under JC-STAR

The newly certified products include:

• - BS-MS2008P
• - BS-MS2016P

These products are positioned as Layer 2 Multi-Gigabit (10G/5G/2.5G) PoE Smart Switches and are priced starting from ¥107,580 (excluding tax ¥97,800). You can find more details about these products here.

Advanced Security Features

The Buffalo BS-MS20P series incorporates several advanced security specifications to enhance user safety:

• - Customizable Login Credentials: For consumer devices, users can personalize initial login passwords. For corporate-use products, changing the default password is mandatory during initial setup.
• - Error Attempt Lockout: If an incorrect password is repeatedly entered, a temporary access restriction is enforced.
• - Configuration Encryption: Settings stored within the device are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
• - Automated Firmware Updates: The switch features an automatic firmware update mechanism that ensures critical security updates are applied promptly.
• - Ongoing Support for Security Updates: Customers will continue to receive security updates throughout the product's support lifespan.
• - Factory Reset Functionality: The device includes features that allow restoration to factory settings.
• - Supply Chain Security: The design and manufacturing processes mitigate the risks of malware contamination.

What is JC-STAR?

JC-STAR stands for the Labeling Scheme based on Japan Cyber-Security Technical Assessment Requirements. This unique compliance evaluation framework aligns with domestic and international standards such as ETSI EN 303 645 and NISTIR 8425 to verify conformities for security technical requirements in IoT products. Managed by the IPA under the supervision of METI, this scheme aims to facilitate consumer confidence in selecting IoT devices that meet stringent security criteria. The readily identifiable JC-STAR label enables consumers to choose IoT products fortified against cyber threats more easily.

Related Resources

• - For an in-depth discussion on IoT security challenges and the JC-STAR framework, check out this seminar page.
• - Learn more about the newly launched JC-STAR security program here.

Buffalo continues to prioritize user security in its product offerings as it strives to lead the way in IoT product safety.