Tackling information security issues with integrity

Tamura:

CSR awareness and action are essential to reach the goals of Vision 2010. I realize that CSR covers a lot of territory. But today I’d like to start with a key aspect of that, notably information security in the workplace.

Koyama:

I have been involved with the Internet for a long time. It’s polluted, particularly with computer viruses. I’m part of a joint public?private sector project to combat viruses. As a telecommunications carrier, it’s our duty to ensure network security. And security systems should be safe and user-friendly.

Sakaino:

I completely agree. Such an approach could evolve to protect big businesses and retailers and consumers alike.

Ogasawara:

For example, ID cards are a form of security. Many companies rely on such card systems to control facilities access. But we need to think about whether these systems are enough to maintain corporate security.

Koyama:

Exactly. Security means systems and tools for most people. But I think that personal integrity is really important. We should restore integrity to make it the bedrock of security.

Sakamoto:

I feel the same. You can deploy lots of security measures. But at the end of day security is all about integrity.

Koyama:

I think intensive communication is central to culti-vating integrity. Poor communication has likely led to a breakdown in integrity.

Tamura:

I’d like all Group employees to understand that integrity based on close communication is the basis for providing information security.

Taking the lead in addressing and communicating about global warming

Tamura:

We can’t ignore global warming. The Group has done much to conserve energy in its telecommunications operations and offices. One fruit of our initiatives was our top ranking in the communications services category of the Nikkei Environ-mental Management Survey.

Sakamoto:

I work in network power management, so cutting energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions relates directly to my work. Our efforts have included installing telecommuni?cations equipment that imposes low environmental loads, switching to direct current to power such equipment, and deploying highly efficient air conditioning. Still, all employees should help address global warming. As in information security, integrity is the key here.

Ogasawara:

We are cutting environmental loads in the server rental and hosting services of my department by introducing “virtual” servers.

Sakaino:

I studied about global warming at university. I want to develop a solution business model that contributes to conservation. We conducted an environmental survey of our value partners (sales agents). Many of them wanted NTT to share its expertise in environmental protection and provide environmental solution services. This experience made me realize that we should communicate more about our environmental initiatives.

Koyama:

The NTT Group certainly needs to do more to cut carbon dioxide emissions and better explain what it is doing. The NTT Group consumes 1% of Japan’s electricity, so our initiatives would have a major impact.

Sakaino:

It would be great for the NTT Group to create and lead a business consortium that would tackle global warming.

Sakamoto:

Right, and from a frontline perspective I’d like a project that would combine our expertise, wisdom, and clout with the strengths of hardware makers and other businesses.

Tamura:

At the Hokkaido Toyako Summit in July 2008, I’d like to explore what we can do as a telecommunications carrier to prevent global warming and otherwise safeguard the environment.

Contributing to society through ICT solutions business and marshalling each employee to pursue CSR progress

Tamura:

Our evolving ICT solutions business could contribute much to a better environment.

Sakaino:

The idea is that we can use these solutions to reduce global warming and environmental impact by making the movements of people and goods more efficient. It would then be important to employ our telecommunications expertise to develop energy consumption visualization technologies.

Sakamoto:

Yes, if we can measure energy usage it will decline. It normally takes a lot of cost and effort just to cut consumption by 1%, so visualization would be a good way to go.

Ogasawara:

Most employees now embrace our internal Kaizen programs. Visualizing progress is one element of these programs, and this should foster a high awareness and zeal for CSR.

Koyama:

At the same time, we ought to rethink what consumers do. We should perhaps encourage people to spend less time on the Internet so they can talk a bit more with their families about global warming. Steering consumers in that direction could also be a CSR initiative.

Tamura:

In other words, you’d be suggesting new lifestyles.

Sakaino:

Speaking of lifestyles, it’s also important that companies and other organizations motivate their people. That would improve employee satisfaction and drive CSR action.

Tamura:

Today’s gathering enabled us to share issues that come up in our daily work. I’d love to have more such meetings. I aim to help the Group’s CSR evolve through ongoing efforts to improve employee awareness of the issues. Thank you all for your time.