REDMOND, Wash., and TOKYO — June 28, 2005 — Microsoft Corp. today announced it has signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement with the High-Tech Crime Technology Division, Info-Communications Bureau of the National Police Agency (NPA) of Japan. Under this agreement, Microsoft will help support the division’s cybercrime-fighting efforts by providing security training and a hot line for sharing technical information.
“It is vital for public and private sectors to work together to defeat the increasingly malicious and sophisticated methods used by cybercriminals,” said Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect at Microsoft. “This Technical Cooperation Agreement with the NPA represents a significant step in the fight against cybercrime.”
The High-Tech Crime Technology Division (formerly known as the Technology Measures Division) was established in April 1999 to carry out information technology-related analysis aimed at fighting crime. Its focus is on cyberforensic analysis, Internet security situation analysis, and the provision of secure communications within law enforcement agencies.
“Safeguarding cyberspace is essential for developing a healthy digital economy around the world,” said Scott Charney, vice president of Trustworthy Computing at Microsoft. “Industry and governments share a responsibility to lead this fight and help people worldwide realize the incredible potential of the Internet. As such, we’re excited to work with the Japan NPA to enhance information security and help reduce cybercrime in Japan.”
“As information and communication technologies evolve, so does the threat posed by cybercrime, and the sophistication of the tactics used by cybercriminals,” said Shinju Tezuka, director of the High-Tech Crime Technology Division. “The Technical Cooperation Agreement with Microsoft will enable us to create a strong alliance with a focus on cybercrime prevention throughout Japan.”
Under this agreement, Microsoft will partner with the Japan NPA in the following areas:
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Sharing technical information. Microsoft will provide the NPA with product information necessary to support its law enforcement and technical information measures on security.
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Hot line. Microsoft will establish hot line support to provide technical information required by the NPA.
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Technical training. Microsoft will facilitate any technical training required by the NPA to support its information security and anti-cybercrime efforts.
This agreement is part of a comprehensive effort at Microsoft to improve cybersecurity, develop public online safety measures and provide technical training to cyberpolice worldwide. Microsoft is extensively engaged with both public and private sectors in collaborative efforts to build a trusted computing environment for everyone.
More information about Microsoft’s security-related activities around the world can be found through the Microsoft Security Sites Worldwide links at http://www.microsoft.com/security/worldwide.mspx.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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