SoftBank Announces Partnership with OpenAI to Provide Cybersecurity Services

(Combined report from Tokyo, Japan, 16th, Central News Agency) As high-performance AI models continue to emerge and the risk of technology misuse increases, Masayoshi Son, President of SoftBank Group, revealed that the company will collaborate with OpenAI to provide cybersecurity services to Japanese infrastructure companies.

According to a report by NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), the latest high-performance AI models such as Claude Mythos, developed by a new American AI company, could pose serious risks to financial systems if used for cyberattacks.

Against this backdrop, Masayoshi Son stated at a corporate event in Tokyo, "I am concerned that advanced AI models may bring about a crisis comparable to the arrival of the 'Black Ships.'"

He then announced that SoftBank will collaborate with OpenAI to launch cybersecurity services capable of countering high-level cyberattacks by the end of 2026. OpenAI is widely believed to possess AI models with performance equivalent to Claude Mythos.

The service will primarily be responsible for assessing system vulnerabilities and providing comprehensive support until repairs are completed. It is expected to be offered to companies in the financial, energy, and public transportation sectors, among others.

The report indicates that SoftBank Group plans to expand the number of technical personnel responsible for the service to 20 times the current level, reaching a scale of 1,000 people, with the aim of providing this cybersecurity service to a broader range of companies.

Accompanying this announcement, Masayoshi Son also met with senior executives from OpenAI and Japanese Finance Minister Katsumasa Katayama.

After the meeting, Masayoshi Son stated, "AI cyberattacks will soon sweep across Japan on a large scale, so we deeply discussed related issues, shared awareness, and specific countermeasures."

He added, "We trust OpenAI and will thoroughly utilize it to prevent cyberattacks. Minister Katayama also expressed encouragement, hoping that we will do our best."

On the other hand, Katsumasa Katayama stated, "Both parties agree that to enable humanity to share the benefits of AI, we must overcome this threat. I also expressed hope for the establishment of a cooperative system in the future."