#Japan #Cloud Security #Kanazawa #Ishikawa Guarantee Association #Hitachi Solutions Create

Enhancing Business Continuity: Hitachi Solutions' Support to Ishikawa Guarantee Association

In December 2023, Hitachi Solutions Create officially commenced a project aimed at fortifying the Ishikawa Guarantee Association's business continuity plans (BCP) through an array of integrated security solutions. This initiative includes cloud-based Unified Threat Management (UTM), multi-factor authentication, and email security solutions designed to ensure operational continuity even during crises.

The Ishikawa Guarantee Association, based in Kanazawa, serves as a public guarantor that facilitates smooth access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking loans from financial institutions. However, since their operational access was previously confined to internal networks, emergencies could halt their guarantees, resulting in delayed financial support. To address these concerns and facilitate remote work, the Association recognized the necessity of adopting a new network infrastructure that allows external access. Consequently, they embraced Hitachi Solutions Create’s comprehensive security proposal.

The implementation of this BCP framework proved invaluable during the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024, enabling the Ishikawa Guarantee Association to continue providing financial and management support to SMEs affected by the disaster, thus stabilizing their operations.

Challenges and Solutions Addressed by the BCP Initiative

Risk 1: Operational Halt During Emergencies

Solution 1: Leveraging Cloud Services
One significant challenge was the risk of operational disruption stemming from the concentration of systems at a single office location. By transitioning to cloud services like Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure, the Ishikawa Guarantee Association facilitated a fully operational environment that functions efficiently during disasters. The migration of internal groupware and operational servers to the cloud eliminated concerns about local server failures or power outages and significantly reduced maintenance costs. This transformation has also made it feasible for staff to access necessary systems remotely, promoting flexibility in work arrangements.

Risk 2: Need for Secure Network Infrastructure

Solution 2: Implementing Comprehensive Security Measures
Previously, while physical security measures were being established (such as seismic upgrades and access control systems), the possibility of remote operational disruptions during large-scale disasters or health crises remained a risk. To combat this, the Association implemented a cloud-based UTM, multi-factor authentication, and email security. This combination of tools not only enhanced security but also established a secure remote work network that restricts access to potentially harmful sites, thus minimizing risks of viruses and phishing attacks. Moreover, appropriate access permissions help safeguard sensitive data from breaches arising from accidental email misdelivery or unauthorized physical access.

Risk 3: Adapting to Changing Business Environments

Solution 3: Creating a Flexible System Management Environment
Another crucial requirement was the ability to reassess and adjust operational processes swiftly in response to shifts in the business landscape. By utilizing cloud platforms such as Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure, the Association has ensured an adaptable system that can scale and undergo configuration changes with ease. This flexibility allows them to align operations promptly with any changes in the economic environment or technological infrastructure.

Insights from Management

Yu Miyagishi, the Planning Division Manager and Systems Control Department Head of the Ishikawa Guarantee Association, remarked on the successful integration of the solutions provided by Hitachi Solutions Create. "With the new systems in place, we have successfully mitigated risks related to BCP and remote work. The smooth continuation of our guarantee services during the Noto Peninsula earthquake has been a significant achievement for us, allowing us to maintain financial support for SMEs in need. We look forward to ongoing operational support from Hitachi Solutions Create in the future.”

Future Prospects

Building on the success experienced with the Ishikawa Guarantee Association, Hitachi Solutions Create plans to further cultivate and package these BCP strategies into broader solutions that can benefit various clients, thereby continuing to enhance organizational resilience across multiple sectors.

For more details on Hitachi Solutions Create's sustainability initiatives and to contact the company, please visit Hitachi Solutions Create's website.

Contact Information
Inoue, Ueda
Hitachi Solutions Create, Chubu Sales Division, Group 3
[email protected]

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