#Japan #Cybersecurity #Tokyo #Dentsu Research #SCS Evaluation

Dentsu Research Launches New Consulting Services

Dentsu Research, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, is set to provide a new consulting service aimed at supporting companies in meeting the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's Supply Chain Security Evaluation System (SCS Evaluation System), commencing on September 9, 2026. This initiative, driven by the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity in the face of rising threats, aims to assist businesses in achieving top-tier ratings in the evaluation process.

Context

In recent years, the nature of cyberattacks has evolved significantly. Rather than targeting robust corporations directly, cybercriminals now increasingly exploit vulnerabilities in the security measures of suppliers or contractors. This trend highlights a growing risk to the entire supply chain, as disruptions within a single entity can lead to operational halts and logistic bottlenecks across connected businesses. Recognizing this escalating risk, the Ministry is advancing the SCS Evaluation System to standardize the visibility and assessment of security measures across companies. This system is expected to serve as a yardstick for transaction conditions in the private sector and standards in public procurement starting in 2026.

Despite the established guidelines, many companies face obstacles due to a lack of know-how in developing operational rules to meet the requirements and insufficient resources for cross-departmental assessments. Addressing these challenges is crucial for effective compliance.

Overview of the Consulting Service

Dentsu Research is poised to support companies in navigating this evaluation process with a structured consulting service. This service will proceed through four primary steps:

1. Planning and Preparation: Identifying the scope and necessary measures for evaluation.
2. Self-Assessment: Utilizing assessment sheets to evaluate current conditions and clarify gaps against the required standards.
3. Implementation of Improvements: Developing improvement plans and supporting the technical and operational implementation.
4. Application for Evaluation and Compliance: Facilitating expert reviews and managing submissions to third-party evaluators or certification bodies.

Unique Features of the Consulting Service

• - Expertise Based on Industry Guidelines: Dentsu Research leverages knowledge from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and its extensive security consulting experience in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, ensuring effective and relevant support tailored to the unique realities of the field.

• - Comprehensive Support from Gap Analysis to Certification: The service comprehensively addresses all phases from defining the scope and identifying gaps to drafting improvement plans and managing evaluation submissions. Experts, including ISMS lead evaluators within Dentsu, will oversee and assist in the certification process.

• - Tailored IT Solutions: The consulting service will provide recommendations to match existing client environments, ensuring that the selected IT solutions are optimal and not overly reliant on specific products.

Dentsu Research's commitment remains strong in fostering resilience within supply chains and bolstering corporate governance amid increasing cyber risk uncertainties. By combining technology with consulting expertise, the firm aims to help organizations navigate these evolving challenges effectively.

Dentsu Research aims to create a cycle of suggesting challenges and implementing technological solutions to enhance society's evolution toward a brighter future. Through cross-innovation that transcends technological, industry, corporate, and regional boundaries, Dentsu continues its mission to harness human and technological strengths in navigating the future and continually creating new value.

Conclusion

As organizations gear up for the 2026 rollout of the SCS Evaluation System, proactive engagement with consultancy services like those provided by Dentsu Research will be essential. By undertaking early preparation, companies can significantly enhance their resilience and security posture in the supply chain, ultimately contributing to a safer and more stable business environment.