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Japan to launch SCS supply chain security evaluation system in 2026
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is preparing to launch the Security Countermeasures Evaluation System for Supply Chain (SCS) by the end of fiscal year 2026. The initiative aims to standardize and visualize cybersecurity levels across supply chains to prevent attacks that use subcontractors as entry points.
Based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0, the system introduces seven evaluation categories, including a specific focus on 'supplier management.' The framework uses a star-based rating system. The ★3 level serves as a baseline for all supply chain participants, requiring fundamental organizational and technical defenses. The ★4 level demands more comprehensive measures, such as incident response and governance, and requires third-party verification. A ★5 level for highly advanced threats is currently under consideration.
In response to the upcoming regulations, OPTiM Biz has introduced the 'OPTiM Biz SCS Evaluation System Support Pack.' This service is designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in meeting the ★3 requirement through AI-driven tools, IT asset visualization, and expert guidance to reduce the administrative burden of compliance.
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- [● 2 SOURCES] The ★3 level represents the minimum baseline of organizational and system defense measures required for all supply chain companies. news.cube-soft.jp · scan.netsecurity.ne.jp
- [● 2 SOURCES] The SCS evaluation system is based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0. wp.techtarget.itmedia.co.jp · scan.netsecurity.ne.jp
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The ★4 level requires comprehensive measures including governance and incident response, verified through third-party evaluation. scan.netsecurity.ne.jp
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry plans to launch the Security Countermeasures Evaluation System for Supply Chain (SCS) by the end of fiscal year 2026. wp.techtarget.itmedia.co.jp · scan.netsecurity.ne.jp
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The evaluation framework uses seven categories, incorporating 'supplier management' alongside the NIST CSF functions of governance, identification, protection, detection, response, and recovery. scan.netsecurity.ne.jp
- [○ 1 SOURCE] OPTiM Biz has launched a support package designed to help companies achieve the ★3 level or higher in the SCS evaluation system. news.cube-soft.jp