SoftBank and OpenAI Launch AI-Powered Cybersecurity Service in Japan

On June 16, 2026, SoftBank Group announced the launch of 'Patching as a Service,' a cybersecurity solution powered by OpenAI technology, aimed at protecting Japan's critical infrastructure from increasing cyber threats. The service will provide AI-driven vulnerability assessments and remediation planning for approximately 3,000 enterprises, including those in transportation and energy sectors. SoftBank's CEO, Masayoshi Son, emphasized the urgency of addressing AI-driven cyberattacks, likening them to a national crisis. The service does not apply patches automatically but assists in planning and prioritizing fixes. The initiative follows a successful internal assessment conducted by SoftBank using OpenAI's technology, which revealed significant vulnerabilities. The joint venture, SB OAI Japan GK, was established in late 2025 to deliver localized AI solutions. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, expressed commitment to enhancing cybersecurity defenses through AI. The launch is seen as a strategic move amid geopolitical tensions affecting technology access.

Key Points: • SoftBank's new service targets 3,000 firms in Japan's critical infrastructure. • The solution provides vulnerability assessments and remediation planning, not automatic patching. • SoftBank's internal tests showed promising results in identifying vulnerabilities.