Information Security and Intellectual Property
Information Management
Governance Structure
SMK recognizes the protection of trade secrets and personal data, as well as compliance with relevant laws and regulations, as critical management issues. To address these challenges, we have established the Trade Secret Management Committee, chaired by the Director and Executive Deputy President, under the CSR/Sustainability Committee, and are committed to ensuring thorough information management.
Trade Secret Management
SMK has established the Trade Secret Management Regulations and Trade Secret Management and Administration Standards to ensure the thorough protection and management of important confidential information related to technology and business.
The Trade Secret Management Regulations define the proper utilization of trade and corporate secrets, measures to prevent leaks, and compliance with relevant laws. The Trade Secret Management and Administration Standards outline specific management methods. Based on these provisions, we strive to manage important confidential information effectively.
We also conduct training for new employees on trade and corporate secret management to enhance individual awareness.
Personal Data Management
At SMK, since establishing a Privacy Policy in Japan in 2005, we have been working on protecting and properly utilizing personal information. In 2017, we established Personal Data Management Regulations for Japan and built a management system, and following this, in 2021, we established TN Personal Data Management Regulations as the main rules to strengthen groupwide management, and established regulations and management systems for each overseas subsidiary.
As global personal information protection laws are being revised in response to the recent global trend of strengthening personal information protection, we strive to obtain the latest information and review management systems to comply with laws.
Internal Audits
To ensure information is managed according to rules, we conduct annual internal audits for both trade secret management and personal information management, and correct any issues found.
IT Security
Governance Structure
SMK formulated the IT Security Policy in 2005 and has been working to protect and manage electronic information. Subsequently, in light of changes in the social environment due to advances in IT, we revised the policy in September 2023 as the IT Security Regulation. Based on these regulations, we have established a structure in which the TN IT Committee, chaired by the CIO, deliberates and globally implements security policies and countermeasures.
Initiatives
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Building systems to prevent unauthorized access and virus infections from external sources.
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Conducting vulnerability tests at all locations by external organizations and further enhancing information security by incorporating expert knowledge.
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Preventing information security incidents and accidents by managing the transfer of electronic information and encrypting data.
For information on IT-BCP, please refer to the BCM page.
Information Security Management System
We are working towards obtaining TISAX certification, an information security assessment in the European automotive industry. For a list of certified sites, please see the "Certifications" page.
Education for Employees
Once a year, we provide training to all SMK Group employees who have access to our internal networks. The training covers the threat of cyber-attacks, appropriate responses to suspicious emails, and procedures to be followed in the event of a suspected virus infection. Furthermore, twice a year, we conduct suspicious email training without advance warning. Employees who open the emails and take inappropriate actions, such as clicking on a URL in the email body or an attachment, receive additional education. This effort aims to enhance employee awareness of thorough information security.
Protection and Utilization of Intellectual Property
SMK recognizes that creating and appropriately protecting our own intellectual property, as well as effectively utilizing valuable intellectual property from external sources, are key to maintaining a competitive advantage. Based on this understanding, we actively invest in intellectual property and are committed to contributing to society and business through its utilization.
Initiatives
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Complying with laws and regulations related to intellectual property protection and respecting the intellectual property rights of others.
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Promoting invention and creative activities through the establishment of a reward system for employee inventions.
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Acquiring intellectual property rights related to inventions at the appropriate time in key business countries, and managing and utilizing them effectively.
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Promoting technological collaboration with external parties to create new businesses through the utilization of intellectual property.
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Implementing internal education and awareness programs related to intellectual property.