Former Chief of National Police Agency's Cyber Investigation Division, Makoto Tanase, Appointed Director at VLC Security Inc.

VLC Security Inc. (Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO Norihiko Ishihara, hereinafter "the Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Makoto Tanase, former Chief of the Cyber Investigation Division at Japan's National Police Agency and a seasoned expert in cybercrime countermeasures and intelligence with extensive domestic and international experience, as an outside director.

In recent years, cyberattacks have become a critical business issue affecting national and economic security. Enterprises are now required to implement advanced risk management strategies that go beyond traditional cybersecurity measures, incorporating insights into attacker behavior and criminal organization structures.

Mr. Tanase has held key positions both in Japan and abroad, including Chief of the Cyber Investigation Division at the National Police Agency, where he led Japan's cybercrime investigations. He also served as Head of the Financial Crime Unit at Interpol (ICPO), and held senior roles at the Ministry of Justice's Criminal Affairs Bureau, the Ministry of Finance's Budget Bureau, the Cabinet Secretariat, and as Chief of the Criminal Investigation Division at Hyogo Prefectural Police. He brings deep expertise in cybercrime countermeasures, international cooperation, organized crime prevention, and intelligence operations.

The Company operates under the mission of "Go Beyond Japan Cyber Security," offering a comprehensive range of services including cybersecurity consulting, practical cybersecurity training under the brand "CYBERGYM," advanced security services delivered by white-hat hackers, and specialized talent development in emerging fields such as AI, OT, and IoT.

With Mr. Tanase's appointment, VLC Security will further enhance its service offerings for corporations and government agencies, including cybersecurity strategy formulation, incident response, cybercrime countermeasures, executive advisory services, and talent development. The Company will also accelerate the integration of public-sector intelligence and private-sector innovation to deliver more practical and advanced cybersecurity solutions.

【Profile of Makoto Tanase】

Joined the National Police Agency in 2000 and has held key positions at the Metropolitan Police Department, Okinawa Prefectural Police, Kyoto Prefectural Police, Hyogo Prefectural Police, the Ministry of Justice's Criminal Affairs Bureau, the Ministry of Finance's Budget Bureau, and the Cabinet Secretariat.

Served as Head of the Financial Crime Unit at the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO/Interpol), and was appointed Chief of the Cyber Investigation Division at the National Police Agency's Cyber Police Bureau in 2023, leading national cybercrime investigations.

After retiring in 2024, he has been active as a security consultant, providing strategic advice and conducting lectures for corporations and organizations.

◾️ Message from Makoto Tanase

I am honored to join VLC Security as a Director.

For the past 25 years since joining the National Police Agency, I have been at the forefront of domestic and international public safety and intelligence operations. My experience spans criminal investigations at prefectural police departments, national budget formulation, drafting of key legislation, and advancing international cooperation. Upon retirement, I served as Chief of the Cyber Investigation Division, overseeing investigations into cyberattacks and cybercrime.

In today's world, where cybersecurity plays a vital role in national security, it has become the foundation of societal activities and a cornerstone of economic development. Public-private collaboration in cybersecurity is now more essential than ever.

Leveraging my extensive operational experience and professional network, I am committed to contributing to the further growth of VLC Security, a company at the forefront of Japan's cybersecurity innovation, to help build a brighter future for Japan.

◾️ About the VLC Security Group

The VLC Security Group operates under the mission of "Go Beyond! Japan Cyber Security," driving innovation in Japan's cybersecurity landscape by integrating world-leading knowledge and technology through three core business units:

【VLC Security Group Subsidiaries】

VLC Security Consulting Inc.

A consulting business that supports the establishment of security frameworks based on industry standards, including certification support for ISMS and the Privacy Mark.

VLC Security Arena Inc.

Offers practical and cutting-edge cybersecurity training under the CYBERGYM brand, incorporating real-time updates on the latest attack techniques.

VLC Security Lab Inc.

Provides advanced security services leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI, delivered by highly skilled white-hat hackers.