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"Witness the Analog Hack! 2018" Event held in collaboration with the anime "BEATLESS"
The Cabinet Secretariat's National Information Security Center (NISC) held the "Witness the Analog Hack! 2018" awareness event for "Cybersecurity Month" at Akiba Square in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, on March 4th, in cooperation with KADOKAWA and the BEATLESS Production Committee.
Recent cyberattacks are shifting from mechanical and systematic approaches to targeting specific individuals or groups, exploiting vulnerabilities in human psychology.
The government designates the period from February 1 to March 18 each year as "Cybersecurity Month," promoting cybersecurity initiatives in collaboration with various organizations. In 2018, it partnered with the anime series "BEATLESS," which features a concept closely related to social engineering called "analog hack," to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity through PR activities like poster displays and events.
At the opening event, Ikusei Misumi, Deputy Director of NISC (Cabinet Secretary), stated, "Some people may not think cybersecurity is something close to their daily lives. However, as long as the smartphone in your pocket is connected, we cannot afford to forget about cybersecurity. That's why we decided to join forces and work together to promote cybersecurity awareness." He emphasized the necessity of not only systematic defense but also raising individual awareness of cybersecurity.
Next, voice actress Nao Higashiyama, who plays the Beatless character "Reisha," and a Reisha cosplayer appeared. Ms. Higashiyama discussed the concept and dangers of "analog hacking" – exploiting vulnerabilities in human psychology in the real world – weaving in the show's worldview and behind-the-scenes stories. She explained, "Analog hacking involves purposefully influencing people. It itself has no inherent good or evil, but it becomes dangerous when used with malicious intent."
After the talk, during the rock-paper-scissors tournament, Higashiyama—who had declared "I'll go with rock!"—surprised participants by choosing paper. She then smiled and playfully warned, "Anyone who chose paper because of my words has been analog hacked! Be careful!" revealing it was part of the performance.
The rock-paper-scissors game was restarted, and finally, all attendees chanted together, "Cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility!" to close the stage event.
At the stage events for general attendees, demonstrations of cyberattacks on smartphones and PCs drew crowds, as did a talk show featuring Beatless creator Toshiji Hase and voice actress Saki Ono (who voices Yuka Endo).
The venue bustled with many attendees, featuring booths by related companies and organizations, cosplayer photo sessions, a stamp rally, and distribution of security handbooks.
NISC Site:
https://www.nisc.go.jp/
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