Norio Fujita, Founder and President
Soft Giken aims to be the only one for safety and security in the information society
In today’s digital age, the importance of security and authentication cannot be overstated. With the rise of cyber threats and data breaches, organizations and individuals alike are seeking innovative solutions to protect their digital identities. One company that has made significant strides in this area is Soft Giken This Japanese software company has been contributing to the development of society through its innovative software solutions. In this article, we will explore the story of Soft Giken Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary, YubiOn brand, a brand that has revolutionized the way it approaches authentication and security.
Soft Giken and YubiOn: Empowering Secure Authentication and Zero Trust Security
Soft Giken was founded in November 1983, with a mission to contribute to society through software. Their philosophy, “Make every world better,” is deeply rooted in the importance of systems that protect societal security and safety. The company’s journey began with steel-related system construction, later expanding into social infrastructure systems, including monitoring rivers, roads, atmosphere, and disaster information management. In 2010, Soft Giken launched the YubiOn brand, providing endpoint security solutions for PCs.
The YubiOn brand is built on the idea that software is a collection of “knowledge,” “wisdom,” and “intelligence.” With the philosophy of “Make every world better,” YubiOn aims to empower individuals and organizations to secure their digital identities. The name “Yubi” means “finger” in Japanese, reflecting the company’s focus on secure PC authentication using YubiKey.
In 2015, Soft Giken joined the FIDO Alliance and incorporated the FIDO standard into the YubiOn solution, developing the “YubiOn FIDO2(R) Server” and “YubiOn FIDO Logon.” This move enabled YubiOn to offer more secure PC authentication using FIDO-certified devices. In 2024, YubiOn upgraded its “YubiOn FIDO Logon” to enable the use of passkeys, expanding its market reach.
To maintain a strong connection with its consumer base, Soft Giken conducts marketing activities, strengthens ties with customers through advertising and sales campaigns, and participates in events. The company also enhances its relationships with resellers to better serve customers.
The demand for implementing Zero Trust security and passkey authentication has rapidly increased, driven by the need for multi-factor authentication in various fields. As a result, Soft Giken has adapted its solutions to meet these changing requirements.
YubiOn’s success can be attributed to its trusted authentication solution, which restricts access until users are authenticated, preventing unauthorized access and data leakage. The company’s solution also supports multi-factor authentication, making it suitable for passwordless authentication. Additionally, YubiOn provides flexible security solutions tailored to specific needs through its compatibility with various platforms and applications.
In recent years, Soft Giken faced challenges in adapting to market changes. One major challenge was the introduction of passkey support technology, which required technical updates and user education. Another challenge was the demand for remote desktop support with FIDO Logon, which necessitated feature development and an upgraded version release.
To stay agile and adaptive in a rapidly changing market landscape, Soft Giken continuously monitors market trends and updates its products and services accordingly. The company also actively collects customer feedback and utilizes FIDO technology to promote passwordless authentication.
Soft Giken’s long-term goals focus on sustainability, innovation, and market leadership. The company aims to contribute to the realization of a society where everyone can handle all kinds of information safely and securely.
Success stories abound for YubiOn. One case involves a human resources/advertising company that required strengthening its logon process for PCs with two-factor authentication. YubiOn provided technical support until the initial introduction, developed software packages for Windows PC and Mac, and enhanced authentication for PC logon using YubiKey’s OTP function. The company also introduced Windows/Mac LogOn service and YubiOn portal (cloud) to manage PC users.
Norio Fujita, Founder and President
Norio Fujita was born into a family of entrepreneurs who valued innovation and hard work. Growing up, he witnessed his parents and brother’s dedication to developing new products and their unwavering commitment to sales. This early exposure shaped Fujita’s entrepreneurial spirit and inspired him to pursue his dreams.
After completing his university education and gaining expertise in software technology, Fujita began his career at a software company. However, he soon felt the urge to start his own venture, which led him to establish Soft Giken Co., Ltd. in November 1983. Since its inception, the company has thrived, providing software solutions for social infrastructure and maintaining a profitable business.
Fujita’s vision for Soft Giken Co., Ltd. is rooted in his philosophy: “Make every world better.” He believes that software is a collection of “knowledge,” “wisdom,” and “intelligence,” which can be leveraged to make a positive impact on society. In 2010, Fujita discovered YubiKey, which sparked the idea to launch the YubiOn brand.
Under Fujita’s leadership, Soft Giken Co., Ltd. has continued to innovate and adapt to changing market demands, remaining committed to its founding principles of contributing to society through software.
“We will continue to provide systems and services for people and the world while constantly innovating, regardless of past achievements or common sense.”