Sumitomo Rubber, Deloitte to collaborate on cybersecurity

Hyogo, Japan – Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) and Deloitte Tohmatsu Cyber , part of consultancy group Deloitte Tohmatsu, have signed a ‘comprehensive collaboration agreement’ on cyber security.

The two companies will work to improve cybersecurity across the entire SRI operations, including Sumitomo Rubber's global bases and subsidiaries.

The partnership will aim to “stably operate” cybersecurity functions in SRI and build a human resources development model.

The collaboration, said SRI in a 19 Jan statement, will particularly focus on cybersecurity functions in the three areas of information technology, operational technology, and products and services.

The work will include providing 'cyber training' to employees, using Deloitte Tohmatsu Cyber Academy.

Sumitomo Rubber is currently promoting the use of digital technology, according to director and managing executive officer Yasuaki Kuniyasu.

The Japanese group is, therefore, anticipating the acceleration of smart, connected factories in Japan and overseas.

“Through this collaboration, we will advance company-wide security measures in each area, including overseas, and promote secure digital utilisation,” Kuniyasu added.

According to Deloitte executive Yuichiro Kirihara, the threat of cyberattacks such as ransomware is increasing, and cybersecurity has become “a management issue” for companies.

Using its previous projects with public and private sectors, Deloitte will aim to support SRI in cybersecurity functions, he added.