Generative AI and Security: A Seminar at Waseda University
On March 11, 2025, Hitachi Solutions collaborated with Waseda University's Data Science Center to hold a seminar titled "Exploring the Frontlines of Security in the Age of Generative AI: What's Happening in Society Today?" This event was part of Cybersecurity Month and aimed to engage students in discussions about the urgent security issues posed by the rapidly evolving AI technologies.
A Diverse Participation
The seminar took place at Waseda Campus, attracting 69 participants from various faculties, showcasing a blend of students from both the humanities and sciences. The event's primary goal was to deepen understanding of the benefits and risks associated with generative AI technologies.
Keynote Presentations
Two key presentations were delivered during the seminar:
1.
Threats of Deepfakes: Hitachi Solutions' white-hat hacker, Kazunari Yamakita, alongside security evangelist Atsushi Tsuji, discussed real-world cases of identity fraud made possible through deepfake technology. They provided demonstrations using fabricated videos, explaining the technical aspects and highlighting detection tools and countermeasures to mitigate risks.
2.
Generative AI and Security: Professor Manabu Kobayashi from Waseda University presented his research on vulnerability detection using generative AI. He underscored the significance of tools for detecting phishing scams and targeted attacks and delved into the risks associated with large language models (LLMs) and data breaches.
Panel Discussion: Facing Today's Security Challenges
Following the presentations, a panel discussion was moderated by Professor Kobayashi, featuring panelists including Waseda University's lecturer Yoshihiro Mochizuki, Hitachi's security consultant Kenichi Ogi, and cloud security engineer and Waseda alumnus Akiho Fujine. They discussed the recent surge in DDoS attacks reported within Japan and how advancements in generative AI and other technologies have made digital systems more vulnerable to diverse threats. This discussion provided insights on how society should adapt to these evolving challenges.
Student Engagement and Feedback
Throughout the seminar, students actively participated, raising various questions and engaging in thoughtful discussions during the Q&A session. Feedback collected from participants indicated high satisfaction levels, with students expressing appreciation for the unique insights into AI-related crimes they often encounter in their daily lives. Some highlighted how gaining knowledge about the risks associated with increased AI usage was both intriguing and enlightening.
Context and Need for Security Awareness
The rapid integration of generative AI and similar technologies into various industry sectors has intensified the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures at both organizational and individual levels. As AI systems become more sophisticated, the frequency and complexity of cyberattacks have also increased, making security knowledge increasingly vital.
In acknowledgment of these trends, Hitachi Solutions aims to support the development of the next generation of talent and contribute to societal sustainability transformations through their extensive security expertise.
Collaboration between Hitachi Solutions and Waseda University
Waseda University is committed to nurturing leaders equipped with a global perspective for problem-solving. They have developed curricula under their Global Education Center in Data Science focusing on advanced expertise in fields like AI, IoT, and big data. Since 2019, Hitachi Solutions has been conducting collaborative courses targeting students from the humanities and social sciences, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity education.
Future Courses and Continuous Learning
Looking ahead, the course “Creating a Future Society: Frontiers of Security” will continue to be offered, with sessions from leading white-hat hackers and security consultants addressing pressing cybersecurity issues through case studies and exercises. This initiative reflects both organizations’ dedication to fostering a safe and secure digital landscape for future generations.
For more information about Hitachi Solution's cyber resilience and contributions to social sustainability, please visit their official website.
Conclusion
As our society delves deeper into the realm of digital transformation driven by AI technologies, understanding the intricacies of security challenges becomes paramount. Events like these serve as essential platforms for knowledge exchange, ensuring that future leaders are adequately prepared to navigate the complexities of a tech-driven world.