CEO Insights Magazine

Cybersecurity has become a national priority in Japan as the country navigates increasing digital threats and prepares for major international events. With the rise in cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, government institutions, and private enterprises, Japan is ramping up its cybersecurity strategy to enhance resilience across all sectors. This includes tightening regulations, fostering public-private partnerships, and investing in domestic cybersecurity talent.

The Japanese government has been particularly active in promoting cybersecurity awareness and innovation through initiatives led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC). Amid this, leadership in the cybersecurity space is crucial to advancing these efforts. Industry leaders are not only building technical solutions but also mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity experts and promoting ethical hacking practices. Setting a benchmark in this domain is Makoto Makita, CEO of GMO Cybersecurity by Ierae Inc.

Post studying cybersecurity at university, Makita began his career at SoftBank, where he made significant contributions as a security engineer, including launching a dedicated vulnerability assessment team. His passion for cybersecurity extended beyond the workplace, since 2010, he has been an active participant in high-level hacking competitions such as CTF Challenge Japan, organized by METI, and the globally renowned DEFCON CTF in the U.S., representing one of Japan’s top-performing hacker teams.

In 2011, Makita founded Ierae Security, which later became GMO Cybersecurity by Ierae Inc. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a prominent player in Japan’s cybersecurity landscape, offering advanced security services and contributing to national and corporate cyber defense initiatives. Makita’s career reflects a blend of technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep commitment to strengthening Japan’s cybersecurity posture.

Let’s get to know more about Makita in this interaction.

What are the biggest cybersecurity threats facing organizations today, and what are your strategies for mitigating them?

One of the most significant cybersecurity threats today is malicious hacking. As organizations increasingly rely on IT to support business growth, they also expose themselves to more vulnerabilities, many of which can be exploited for financial gain. In reality, almost every service contains some form of weakness. Our strategy focuses on proactively identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities before they can be used in an attack. Through rigorous security assessments and ongoing monitoring, we aim to reduce risk and build a more secure digital environment. Early detection and prevention are at the core of our approach to mitigating today’s evolving cybersecurity threats.

How do you foster collaboration within teams to improve the security posture against current vulnerabilities?

As cyberattacks grow increasingly sophisticated, I believe it’s crucial to build teams that include specialists from diverse fields. Collaboration between red teams, who focus on offensive security, and blue teams, who handle defense, creates a more balanced and effective cybersecurity approach. Encouraging open communication and knowledge-sharing between these groups strengthens our overall response to threats. To attract and retain top-tier talent in each area, I prioritize three key principles, including offering competitive salaries, ensuring shorter working hours to maintain work-life balance, and promoting an autonomous work environment where individuals can operate with flexibility and independence. This culture not only fosters innovation but also enhances our ability to stay ahead of evolving security challenges.

How do you tailor your cybersecurity approach for clients across various industries? What strategies do you use to maintain success as a leader in the cybersecurity industry?

I tailor my cybersecurity approach by focusing on the core technologies common across industries. Whether it’s autonomous vehicles, flying cars, or IoTs, many rely on familiar platforms like Linux or Windows. The deep understanding of operating systems and their lower layers gives us the flexibility to address diverse challenges. These technical foundations are often more critical than the specific industry. When we encounter unfamiliar systems or technologies, we are always ready to learn and adapt. We see every new challenge as an opportunity to grow and expand my expertise. This adaptability allows me to offer effective, relevant security solutions regardless of the client's field.