#Japan #Cybersecurity #AI Literacy #Norton #Saitama

Norton Cyber Safety Course Overview

On December 19, 2025, Norton, a consumer cybersecurity brand, organized a special course titled 'Internet and AI Literacy' held at Urawa ReiMei High School, in collaboration with the Saitama Prefectural Police. This initiative aims to educate students on proper internet usage and enhance their AI literacy amidst rising cyber threats.

According to a recent announcement from the National Police Agency, the frequency of cyberattacks on infrastructure-related companies has been increasing, especially during the year-end and new year holidays. The sophistication of these cyber crimes is further complicated by the misuse of AI technology, making it harder to identify malicious content. Understanding this context, Norton partnered with the Saitama Cyber Crime Division to improve students' IT literacy and raise awareness about cybercrime.

Course Highlights

During the course, a spokesperson from Norton highlighted the dual-edged nature of AI technology—while it drives innovation, it also presents new opportunities for cybercriminals. Topics such as the importance of human verification, the distortion of information through AI, and the rise of empathy-based fraud were discussed, along with projections and countermeasures for anticipated cybercriminal activities in 2026. Furthermore, the session included insights into recent incidents of personal data breaches in Japan and practical strategies to safeguard personal information.

Online Presentation by Iskandar Sanchez-Lora

Iskandar Sanchez-Lora, the AI Innovation Director from Gen, presented an online seminar on the everyday changes brought about by AI. He showcased examples of deepfake videos involving celebrities and romance scams, emphasizing the real-world threats posed by advancing AI technology, especially in familiar areas like online shopping for high school students.

Student Reactions

Feedback from participating students reflected a heightened awareness of the potential risks associated with AI advancements in their daily internet usage. Comments included, "I realized that the advancements in AI I encounter online could lead to cybercrime, so I need to be careful when using these tools." Many students discussed the necessity of transparent labeling when it comes to AI usage, indicating a spirited exchange on the themes dissected during the course.

This course highlighted the essential realization that as the utilization of AI becomes more prevalent in our lives, acknowledging its dangers and embracing proper literacy is crucial.

About Norton

Norton continues to expand its educational initiatives beyond providing security software, to ensuring a safe and secure online environment. Recent activities include IT literacy seminars for parents and students, participation in public fairs focusing on safety, and interactive classes on cybercrime prevention through engaging quizzes.

Through these outreach efforts, Norton is dedicated to fostering a well-informed and secure society amidst evolving technological landscapes, ensuring users can navigate the internet safely and enjoyably.