Tokyo, December 10, 2015 - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced the development of a "system operations-visualization and anomaly-analysis technology" that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically detect unknown cyber-attacks against social infrastructure and enterprise systems.

The new technology learns (through machine learning) the normal state of OS-level operations (program start-up, file access, communications, etc.) for entire ICT systems, including PCs and servers. It then carries out real-time comparisons and analysis of current operations in the system's normal state and automatically isolates particular points that deviate from the normal state by using system operation tools and Software-Defined Networking (SDN).

Further, a detailed knowledge of the system behavior makes it possible to identify the extent of damage 90% faster than the time required in conventional manual investigation. Accurate anomaly detection and quick specification of damaged areas by the new technology minimize the damage from cyber-attacks and enable recovery without stopping an entire user-system.

"It is remarkably difficult for current cyber-attack countermeasures, which are carried out based on known attack methods, to protect systems against unknown attacks. The new technology, which is based only on subtle changes observed in OS-level behavior as a consequence of attacks, rather than on the attack methods, enables an innovative approach to deal with completely new cyber-attacks," said Motoo Nishihara General Manager, Cloud System Research Laboratories, NEC Corporation.

NEC conducted trials of the technology on its in-house ICT system and found that it was able to detect all simulated attacks. Going forward, NEC will carry out trials on systems serving critical infrastructure, such as power plants and factories, aiming to commercialize the technology by the end of FY2016.

As part of its focus on Solutions for Society, NEC is pursuing the development of this technology and other advanced technologies that contribute to the enhancement of cyber security measures.

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NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society.  For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.

Based on its Mid-term Management Plan 2015, the NEC Group globally provides "Solutions for Society" that promote the safety, security, efficiency and equality of society. Under the company's corporate message of "Orchestrating a brighter world," NEC aims to help solve a wide range of challenging issues and to create new social value for the changing world of tomorrow. For more information, please visit
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