#Japan #Tokyo #Buffalo #Network Security #UPnP

Buffalo's Cutting-Edge Technology Recognized

In a remarkable achievement for network security, Buffalo Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has received the Encouragement Award at the 2023 Chubu Region Invention Awards, organized by the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation. This award recognizes Buffalo's innovative 'Danger UPnP Blocking' feature, which is a part of their 'Network Threat Blocker 2' technology designed to secure home networks.

The company first introduced the 'Danger UPnP Blocking' function to their Wi-Fi routers, aimed at safeguarding household networks from cyber threats. This year’s award reflects the second recognition of its kind, following the Aichi Invention Award it was granted at the Aichi Invention Awards earlier in the year.

The Rise of IoT and Associated Risks

In recent years, the convenience afforded by IoT devices has led to increasing use of Universal Plug and Play (UPnP). This technology has simplified the process for users wishing to access IP cameras and recorders remotely. However, the ease of UPnP has inadvertently opened a door to cybercriminals who seek to exploit the vulnerabilities of IoT equipment. They can enter a user's internal network through unauthorized port openings that the UPnP function can facilitate.

Buffalo’s invention is designed to address this significant risk by preventing unintentional port openings that could compromise home networks.

Invention Overview

The award-winning innovative solution, under the patent number 7311780, was developed by senior experts Tetsuya Inada and Daisuke Yamada from Buffalo’s Network Development Division. This technology involves monitoring network communications to detect high-risk port requests. If potential threats are identified—either through requests for dangerous open ports or found vulnerabilities in connected IoT devices—the router automatically blocks these requests. Prior to any port opening action, users are promptly notified via push notifications on their smartphones. They can then decide whether to allow or decline the request based on the given information.

The essence of this 'Danger UPnP Blocking' feature lies in its commitment to user empowerment, letting individuals make informed decisions regarding their network security. The technology aims to enhance awareness and provide a safer environment for utilizing IoT devices at home.

Buffalo’s 'Danger UPnP Blocking' feature development was supported by research results from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) as part of the WarpDrive project, in collaboration with Professor Katsunari Yoshioka from Yokohama National University.

Products Featuring the Award-Winning Technology

Buffalo has integrated the 'Danger UPnP Blocking' feature into various models of their Wi-Fi routers. Some notable products include:

• - WXR18000BE10P: A tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router supporting speeds up to 11529 Mbps.

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• - WXR9300BE6P: Another tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router with impressive performance, reaching speeds of 5764 Mbps.

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• - WSR6500BE6P Series: A dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router with speeds of 5764 Mbps.

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• - WSR3600BE4P Series: Also a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router offering 2882 Mbps.

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• - WXR-11000XE12: A tri-band Wi-Fi 6E router that can handle speeds up to 4803 Mbps.

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These products highlight Buffalo’s commitment to advancing network security while catering to the growing demand for reliable IoT connectivity.

Chubu Region Invention Awards

The Chubu Region Invention Awards aim to promote inventions and innovations contributing to the advancement of Japan's science and technology. By recognizing outstanding inventions, these awards play a crucial role in encouraging inventive efforts, thereby enhancing industrial promotion and technological development in the region.

In summary, Buffalo’s focus on creating solutions that empower users while protecting home networks is evident in their recent accolades. The 'Danger UPnP Blocking' technology not only stands out in its category but also sets a new benchmark for ensuring safer IoT interaction at home, contributing to a more secure digital environment.