IIJ Launches “IIJ Safous SOARaaS,” Security Operational Service for Overseas Locations

– Achieving Global Security Control and Reducing Security Operation Workload –

Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (TSE Prime: 3774), one of Japan’s leading Internet access and comprehensive network solutions providers, announced the launch of IIJ Safous SOARaaS, a monthly cloud service that streamlines and automates security operations at overseas locations. This service provides integrated security monitoring and operational management of the customer’s environment by a dedicated team of analysts through the linkage of the customer’s cloud, endpoint, firewall, and related security infrastructure with the service platform (SOAR platform(*)). In the event of a security incident, IIJ Group security analysts will examine security alerts as necessary and notify customers of the analysis results, scope of impact, and other information in English and Japanese. The service will provide Japanese companies with many offices in Asia and companies operating worldwide with global security control and reduce the operational burden of security. The SOARaaS Platform uses Cortex (TM) XSOAR, a SOAR platform from Palo Alto Networks, Inc.

(*) SOAR (Security Orchestration Automation and Response): Refers to technologies and solutions that streamline and automate operations related to security operations, including integrated control of various security products, incident response automation, and case management, analysis and reporting.

Background
Security incidents in corporate networks have dramatically increased in recent years. Supply chain attacks targeting branch offices overseas affect business continuity and even lead to shutdowns of factories or other major operational issues. Against this backdrop, many companies, both in Japan and abroad, now require their suppliers to implement advanced security measures as a condition of doing business with them. Additionally, IIJ has seen a global trend where cyber security laws are becoming stricter, requiring businesses of all sizes to implement stricter measures than before.

Overview of the service and its features
– Streamlining and automating operational tasks for security
The service is the first managed SOAR service in Japan to utilize Palo Alto Network’s Cortex (TM) XSOAR, a tool for automating security operations. Palo Alto Network’s next-generation firewalls, Prisma (R) Access (SASE platform), Cortex XDR (endpoint security), and IIJ’s managed zero-trust network access service “Safous” support security log monitoring as default, with 24/7 automated monitoring of security incidents. The range of products compatible with monitoring will be added accordingly.

In the event of a security incident, security analysts examine the alerts as needed. Depending on the severity of the incident, analysts will quickly coordinate information with the customer via e-mail or telephone. Outsourcing customers’ primary response to security incidents can greatly reduce their operational costs. Additionally, managed integrated operational services including installation and replacement of security products, operation of service infrastructure, fine-tuning, and version upgrades will enable customers to fully control the security of their overseas branches through IIJ’s new service.

– Multilingual support
IIJ has established a Security Center in Indonesia, where the IIJ Group security analysts provide 24/7 customer support in English and Japanese. In cooperation with its local subsidiaries in Asia, IIJ plans to provide support in Chinese, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, and other languages by FY2023.

– Multi-tenant model allows customers to “start off small”
The industry-leading SOAR system that automates security operations, including Incident & Response by high-level security personnel, is offered in a multi-tenant format, allowing companies to “start off small” with services starting from less than JPY200,000/month. For large-scale customers, IIJ can also provide dedicated SOAR.

Reference prices
– Example (1)
300 users, 1 product (monitored systems such as firewalls, endpoints, etc.)
From JPY170,000/month
– Example (2)
3,000 users, 2 products
From JPY1,440,000/month

*Prices vary depending on the number of users and products to be monitored.
*Prices shown do not include tax.

Main features
– Integrated security monitoring: 24/7 monitoring by security analysts, security incident notifications, etc.
– Integrated operation: Change settings, check for no abnormalities, isolate and respond to problems, etc. of monitored systems
– Portal site: Ticket management system, security alert statistics, and security knowledge (video content) viewing/provision

For more information, please access the Safous website at: https://www.safous.com/features/soaraas

IIJ will continue to actively strengthen its technological development and sales/support systems in cooperation with its overseas offices/group companies to support the growth of customers’ global businesses.

About IIJ
Founded in 1992, IIJ is one of Japan’s leading Internet-access and comprehensive network solutions providers. IIJ and its group companies provide total network solutions that mainly cater to high-end corporate customers. IIJ’s services include high-quality Internet connectivity services, systems integration, cloud computing services, security services and mobile services. Moreover, IIJ has built one of the largest Internet backbone networks in Japan that is connected to the United States, the United Kingdom and Asia. IIJ was listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2022.

For more information about IIJ, visit the official website: https://www.iij.ad.jp/en/

The statements within this release contain forward-looking statements about IIJ’s future plans that involve risk and uncertainty. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results.

*All company, product and service names used in this press release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

*Prices, specifications, and contents of the services described in this press release are current as of the date of the announcement. They are subject to change without notice.

Source: Internet Initiative Japan Inc.