Amidst Sapporo, Japan's mountains and modern skyscrapers, North Grid fights against rising digital threats from malicious file uploads. Because of these threats the Japanese government, guided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, actively explores solutions capable of processing incoming files to stop file-borne threats.
North Grid, established in 2003, has been at the forefront of solving file upload security challenges and protecting their clients from file upload threats. Pioneers in developing on-premises and cloud software solutions, North Grid's Proself and Proself Gateway Edition cater to a wide range of industries, including local governments, and their commitment to cybersecurity is evident in their partnership with OPSWAT.
Commitment to Safeguarding Digital Infrastructure
With its pioneering online storage construction software Proself, North Grid intimately understands the need to secure local governments . We recently sat down with Toshiyuki Kikuchi, CEO of North Grid, who details how they tailored Proself Gateway Edition for local governments keen on bolstering their security. "Many of our clients are local governments," says Kikuchi, "For them, Deep CDR isn't just an option; it's mandatory. And while Multiscanning with its eight virus scanning engines is optional, it provides an added layer of assurance."
Deep CDR isn't just another sandbox or antivirus scanning engine. It's a proactive measure that processes and sanitizes potentially harmful files. Detailing how North handles secure file transfers, Kikuchi explains, “'It is necessary to exchange files between separate networks and we have released a product specifically designed for such environment called 'Proself Gateway Edition' that allows file exchange while imposing restrictions.” Every incoming file undergoes a thorough check, disarming elements used by attackers. The result is a clean, reconstructed file, free of hidden threats, ready for end users.
The Japanese government’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication, with its commitment to safeguarding digital infrastructure, finds security in Deep CDR and, by adding Multiscanning technologies, organizations can remove known and unknown threats, handle Japanese language files, use prevention-based file sanitization, and regenerate completely usable files.
How North Grid Uses MetaDefender Core to Secure File Uploads
North Grid chose OPSWAT MetaDefender because of its comprehensive and efficient file upload security technologies. Kikuchi emphasized the value of using OPSWAT in their products, "With OPSWAT MetaDefender, we aim to create an environment where security measures are as natural as breathing, without compromising on operational efficiency."
MetaDefender Core uniquely approaches file upload security by combining prevention- and detection-based technologies. Multiscanning technology detects threats by leveraging up to more than 30 antivirus scanning engines, combining artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and extensive databases of known malware signatures, ensuring that threats are detected, no matter how evasive. A mandatory requirement for many of North Grid's clients, Deep Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR) prevents threats hidden in files.
In order to provide the greatest security coverage, North Grid has developed Proself Mail Sanitize Edition, a security product for emails. Integrated with OPSWAT MetaDefender's Deep CDR, it removes threats from attachments, ensuring safe and secure communication free from phishing attempts.
"Ransomware attacks have surged in Japan.” Kikuchi says, “To combat this, we've bolstered security for VPN devices and emails—common ransomware entry points—by regularly updating VPN firmware. Moreover, we offer 'Proself Mail Sanitize Edition', a security email product. Integrated with OPSWAT MetaDefender's Deep CDR, it sanitizes email attachments, making it a pivotal tool in our ransomware protection strategy."
Criminals are continually refining their methods, and recognizing this, North Grid remains committed to adding to its defenses. Kikuchi adds, "Attackers' strategies are ever-changing, and while training is essential, we foresee a future where more automated and efficient solutions, like MetaDefender, will become crucial."
Tailored Security for Critical Networks
As the government aligns its security measures with the guidelines set by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the need for comprehensive solutions like Deep CDR becomes evident, especially for LGWAN (Local Government Wide Area Network) systems. These networks, crucial for local administrative functions, require strategies that ensure secure communication with the broader internet, mitigating risks from email transfers, file imports, and potential malware threats.
This commitment to security was evident when North Grid encountered the Emotet virus while working on a project for the local government. When conventional virus scanners failed to detect the emerging threat, MetaDefender's Multiscanning feature identified the threat, emphasizing the importance of layered security measures.
"While developing Proself for a local government, we encountered an outbreak of the Emotet virus, which is transmitted through attached files.” explained Kikuchi, “upon receiving such a file, we promptly scanned it using MetaDefender. Impressively, two of the eight scanning engines detected the virus, showcasing the efficacy of Multiscanning. Notably, the virus scanning software on our terminals failed to recognize this threat upon its initial arrival."
Balancing cybersecurity without hindering operational efficiency is a tightrope walk. Yet, with tools like OPSWAT MetaDefender, North Grid believes in building a seamless environment, ensuring local governance operates smoothly and safely.
As North Grid looks toward the future, its partnership with OPSWAT remains central to its vision: Creating a better digital world where file upload security and efficiency coexist, ensuring a safer tomorrow for everyone.
To see how OPSWAT’s innovative solutions can keep your critical infrastructure safe, talk to an expert today.
