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Cyber Security to Japan

Eligible businesses could apply for free support to export cyber security products and services to Japan. Applications have closed.

Program dates

December 2021 to June 2022

Key event

Japan IT Week, 6 to 8 April 2022

Why this market

Japan is a challenging market, but significant opportunities exist in the cyber security sector for companies willing to invest time in building relationships that could deliver significant business outcomes over the longer term.

Japan’s cyber security market was worth approx. AUD$16.2 billion in 2019, and is expected to grow to AUD$17.4 billion by 2024. Just over half of the market is in security products, while the remainder is in services.

The increasing prevalence of security incidents and tax incentives are driving growth. Emerging and continued need for remote access will sustain growth.

Around 80% of companies in Japan experienced at least one security incident in the past, and malware attacks have received prominent media attention in recent years. Cyber security incidents in Japan caused approximately AUD$1.5 million in damage each year since 2016. In 2020, the cost of damage rose to AUD$2.4 million.

The Japanese government is conscious of the threats  and deficiencies in its cyber security capabilities. The Digital Transformation report issued by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry identifies inefficiencies in business systems in Japan, where the ‘customising systems in line with operations’ is common. It recommends a shift from on-premise legacy systems to the cloud by 2025.

COVID-19 is also driving an increase in remote working environments and adoption of a “zero trust” security model among companies (meaning devices should not be trusted by default).

Participation requirements and success factors

Eligibility for the overall Program

  • Have headquarters in NSW
  • Be export-capable and export-ready
  • Have a valid ABN (Australian Business Number) registered for NSW
  • Have a commercial product or service
  • Have a website featuring the product or service (marketing and promotional costs might be reimbursed through the NSW Export Assistance Grant)
  • Be prepared to adapt the product or service for the market
  • Have a product or service that is produced primarily in NSW
  • Be willing to travel to Sydney for events and to the selected market (where and when COVID-19 restrictions permit travel), and must cover their own travel expenses
  • Not be considered a trader (meaning the Program is for businesses that produce and add value in NSW)

Additional eligibility requirements  for this stream

  • Number of full-time equivalent (FTE) employees between 5 and 199
  • Market-ready product or service

The ideal participant

  • Will have a track record of exporting products and services to leading markets such as the US and/or the UK
  • Has a product with a good market fit (see priority participants below)
  • Is willing to commit to Japan for the long-term

Priority participants

  • Protection stack solutions that protect an organisation’s IT networks and computer systems from malicious attackers, including:
    • Identity and access management (for example, Identity Aware Proxy to ease the VPN load to connect to SaaS when working from home or remotely)
    • Mobile device protection (for example, mobile application management or mobile device management to prevent information leakage in BYOD situations)
    • Monitoring and analysis (for example, Security Information and Event Management or Endpoint Detection and Response to monitor and respond to security threats)
  • Software products that help organisations defend their computer systems and IT networks against intrusion and unauthorised use

Curriculum

Introduction and business culture training

  • Welcome
  • Business culture training

Market intelligence briefing

  • Cyber security solution and integration for this market
  • Target customers, competitor landscapes, and business models
  • Regulatory requirements

Pitch development

  • Pitch deck development

Potential partner search and introductions

  • Virtual participation and exhibition at Japan IT Week (TBD), 6 to 8 April 2022
  • Virtual participation and exhibition at Innovation Leaders Summit (TBD), 1 to 18 February 2022
  • Potential partner search and introductions

Follow up

  • Program debrief
  • Ongoing support provided by a dedicated NSW Government Export Adviser

Note: The curriculum is subject to change. 

Apply

Applications closed on 5 November 2021.