Nippon Navigator #8 - Cyberresilience, hacks and data protection in Japan and Royal Host night shifts

The latest episode of the "Nippon Navigator" podcast, hosted by Gregory Glanzmann and Maximilian Böger, sheds light on a highly topical subject: cybersecurity and data protection. The outage of CrowdStrike due to a faulty update at the beginning of the 2024 summer break led to far-reaching consequences that affected many people on their way to the holidays. In this episode, Dr Hermann Gump, Managing Director of Enobyte, is invited to dive deeper into the topic and share his expertise.

Cyber resilience, hacks and data protection in Japan and Royal Host night shifts

The latest episode of the "Nippon Navigator" podcast, hosted by Gregory Glanzmann and Maximilian Böger, sheds light on a highly topical subject: cybersecurity and data protection. The outage of CrowdStrike due to a faulty update at the beginning of the 2024 summer break led to far-reaching consequences that affected many people on their way to the holidays. In this episode, Dr Hermann Gump, Managing Director of Enobyte, is invited to dive deeper into the topic and share his expertise.

Guest: Dr. Hermann Gump

Dr. Hermann Gump, an experienced physicist and computer scientist with long-standing ties to Japan, shares his perspectives on the current state of cybersecurity. He describes how his trip to Japan began during his studies and the significant experiences he has gained in his career. Particularly fascinating is his account of how he joined the Japanese Studies course at TU Munich by chance and later worked as a research assistant in Tokyo. His extensive experience in the Japanese business environment, particularly in the field of IT security and data protection, makes him a valuable guest.

Enobyte: Data protection and cyber security for Japanese companies

Dr. Gump explains the founding of Enobyte and the development of the company. Enobyte specializes in data protection and cyber security for Japanese companies in Europe. Of particular interest is the insight into how the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) was the motivation to set up his own company to offer this service. The company has continued to evolve and now offers comprehensive data protection and cyber security solutions.

Challenges and solutions for cybersecurity

The discussion about the failure of CrowdStrike illustrates the complexity and risks in the area of cybersecurity. Dr. Gump emphasizes that it is essential to have a basic understanding and strategy for IT security. He points out that companies often stick to outdated technologies and that it is important to continuously innovate and implement security measures. In particular, he emphasizes the importance of continuous employee training and awareness to minimize human error, which is often the cause of security breaches. He also emphasizes the need to regularly review and adapt security strategies to meet new threats and technologies.

Data protection in Europe and Japan

Dr. Gump explains the differences between European and Japanese data protection law.While Europe has strict data protection laws that force companies to comply, Japan has no supervisory authority for the state.This leads to different challenges and approaches in both regions.However, the GDPR has also impacted Japanese companies operating in Europe or processing data from European customers.Notably, despite the challenges of meeting GDPR standards, Japan continues to take steps to tighten data protection regulations and bring them in line with international standards.
He emphasizes that the differences in legislation concern not only technical but also cultural aspects, which makes implementation and compliance in Japan more challenging.

Practical tips and recommendations

Finally, Dr. Gump gives valuable tips for companies that are active in the field of cybersecurity and data protection or have to deal with it. He emphasizes the importance of risk management, the implementation of security measures and the training of employees. His reference to the importance of open source software for IT security and the need to maintain data sovereignty is particularly relevant. Another important aspect he emphasizes is the regular performance of penetration tests in order to identify and eliminate potential vulnerabilities in the system at an early stage. Dr. Gump also recommends having a plan B in case of system failures and ensuring that all important data is regularly backed up and encrypted.

Success factors for European companies in Japan

In addition to the technical and legal aspects, Dr. Gump also emphasizes the cultural differences and their importance for business success in Japan. He explains that long-term business relationships and trust are crucial. European companies should be aware that building relationships in Japan takes time and commitment. In addition, knowledge of the Japanese language and culture is a great advantage in order to avoid misunderstandings and strengthen business relationships. Dr. Gump also emphasizes the importance of local presence. Regular visits and face-to-face meetings are essential in Japan in order to gain and maintain the trust of business partners.
One interesting aspect that Dr. Gump highlights is the importance of quality standards in Japan. Japanese companies attach great importance to high quality standards, and this is reflected in all areas of business. European companies that want to be successful in Japan should therefore ensure that their products and services meet the highest quality standards. This includes not only technical quality, but also customer service and business ethics.

Cultural differences and their effects

Dr. Gump explains that the cultural differences between Europe and Japan have a significant impact on business relationships. In Japan, respect for the business partner and the cultivation of harmonious relationships are of great importance. This can be seen in communication, negotiations and daily business life. European companies need to be aware of these cultural differences and adapt their business practices accordingly in order to operate successfully in Japan.

Another important point that Dr. Gump addresses is the role of language. Even though many Japanese business partners speak English, it is a great advantage if European business people have at least a basic knowledge of Japanese. This facilitates communication and shows Japanese partners respect and appreciation for their culture.

Conclusion

The latest episode of the "Nippon Navigator" podcast offers a deep insight into the challenges and solutions in the field of cybersecurity and data protection. Dr. Hermann Gump shares his extensive experience and gives practical advice that is valuable for both European and Japanese companies. With his unique background and expertise, he provides valuable perspectives that go far beyond the technical level and also consider cultural and organizational aspects.

For anyone interested in the topics of cybersecurity and data protection and looking at the Japanese business world, this episode of "Nippon Navigator" is an absolute must-read. The comprehensive discussion not only provides deeper insights into the specific challenges and solutions, but also practical advice and valuable insights into the cultural nuances that are critical to success in the Japanese market.

Additionally, the episode offers valuable insights on how European companies can improve their cybersecurity and data protection practices to meet the demands of international business. Dr. Gump's advice and experience is a valuable resource for anyone working in this complex and ever-evolving field.

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube