November 8, 2022 Invitation of Applications for the Cybersecurity Encouragement Prizes of Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications

Since fiscal 2017, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has recognized individuals and organizations demonstrating outstanding achievements in frontline cybersecurity response with the award of Cybersecurity Encouragement Prizes of Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications. MIC has decided to start accepting applications for the fiscal 2022 awards.

1. Purpose

While the integration of cyberspace and real space in recent years has enriched society, the risk of malicious actors using cyberspace is also increasing. Maintaining cybersecurity is an extremely important issue from the viewpoint of ensuring both a safe and secure life for citizens, and the dynamic development of socio-economic activities.
Accordingly, since fiscal 2017, MIC has awarded Cybersecurity Encouragement Prizes of Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications to recognize and publicize the efforts of individuals and organizations (teams) who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in frontline cybersecurity response and are expected to achieve even further success in the future. The objective of the award program is to promote improvements in cybersecurity awareness in Japan, thereby helping to ensure the nation's cybersecurity.

2. Invitation of applications

MIC is calling for the nomination—by themselves or by others—of individuals or organizations (teams) who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in improving frontline cybersecurity response and are expected to achieve even further success in the future.

3. Application/nomination method and application period

Applications/nominations should be submitted in accordance with the guidelines.
The application period is from Tuesday, November 8 through Monday, December 19, 2022.

4. Screening

MIC will select the winners after a selection committee of experts has screened applications submitted in response to this invitation and nominations by members of the selection committee. (MIC plans to select around three nominees)
The winners will be announced on the MIC website, among others, in February 2023 or thereabouts.

5. Conferral of prizes

MIC intends to confer the prizes during Cybersecurity Month, which runs from Wednesday, February 1 through Saturday, March 18, 2023.

6. How to obtain reference information

MIC will make the guidelines and forms available for viewing and obtaining copies at the Office of the Director-General for Cybersecurity, MIC.

• *
  The published materials are in Japanese only.