Student Interviews

Kosuke Ito

I want to create a global standard for security quality control in Japanese manufacturing, using quality control methods as a reference.

I work on security research for embedded devices developed by manufacturers

I used to work for a manufacturer in R&D and new business planning. After moving to a telecommunications company, I worked in the business planning and research department, where I was responsible for security research for embedded devices. Whilst working for CCDS as a secretariat, I became interested in how manufacturers could demonstrate to the public, the extent to which they had addressed information security in their manufacturing processes. Manufacturers are aware of the need to address information security in the manufacturing process, but have not been able to implement it so far. I joined IISEC in the hope that my knowledge and experience could be systematically organised into a new standard, that could be used by manufacturers to manage the security status of their products. Whilst many information security standards originate in Europe and the United States, attempts to incorporate such standards into quality management are an area of strength for Japanese manufacturers, who are recognised as quality-oriented from all over the world.

Managing the information security of the entire manufacturing process, including affiliates and suppliers

During my three years as a PhD student, I plan to develop a "quality labelling standard for manufacturers to indicate to customers and users that their products are secure". I will also be looking at creating tools for use in the manufacturing process, such as self-assessments and checklist items for manufacturers. When manufacturing a product, manufactures often use some parts made be their affiliates or suppliers. The security quality of the components from each company is also important for the product. The development of such a standard will help to hedge the risk in the event of an incident, by limiting the liability of manufacturers who have made secure products. I hope that this will provide an opportunity to encourage new manufacturing.

Kosuke Ito
Kosuke Ito
Connected Consumer Device Security Council (CCDS)
Enrolled in April 2018
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