Hitachi, Ltd. has partnered with Anthropic’s “Critical Infrastructure Defense Program” as a founding member. The Defense initiative was specifically launched by Anthropic on October 8, 2026. The initiative is an international effort to improve the cyber defense of critical infrastructure networks worldwide. The project therefore concentrates on core control systems that support services for power, water, manufacturing, and transportation. Furthermore, Hitachi will take an active role in the working groups and will share its deep operational technology know-how.
Meeting Critical Cybersecurity Challenges in OT Environments
Essential infrastructure systems cannot be allowed to have long periods of downtime under normal operating conditions. This complicates the application of traditional security measures, such as system shutdowns for patching, by operators. At the same time, fast developments in AI drastically shorten the time between vulnerability disclosure and active cyber exploitation. Thus, it is up to security teams to re-engineer operational systems to expect cyberattacks to happen.
Hence, the defense program aims to build cyber resilience by quickly identifying vulnerabilities and automatically remediating them. As part of this effort, the program incorporates Anthropic’s leading-edge Claude AI models into specific cybersecurity solutions. Hitachi has decades of operational experience managing railroads, energy grids, and industrial manufacturing facilities.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership and Technology Integration
In May 2026, Hitachi announced a strategic partnership with Anthropic. Since then, the organization has been gradually increasing its collaborative cybersecurity work with Anthropic. In June 2026, Hitachi joined forces with Anthropic’s “Project Glasswing” initiative. That same month, the company later used the platform to speed up critical infrastructure security validation processes. Moreover, in September 2026, Hitachi launched HMAX Cyber to help ensure business continuity in industrial sectors.
Comment from Hiroaki Koiwa, Head of Cyber CoE, AI & Software Services Business Unit, Hitachi, Ltd.:
“Amid the rapid evolution of AI and the increasing sophistication and speed of cyber threats, ensuring cybersecurity in OT environments that support social infrastructure has become one of the highest priorities facing society today. Hitachi combines expertise cultivated through operations in sectors such as railways and energy with advanced AI technologies and offers HMAX Cyber, including support delivered through its FDE (Forward Deployed Engineer) teams, to help customers strengthen business continuity. Through participation in this program, we look forward to collaborating with Anthropic and fellow members to further enhance cyber resilience for critical infrastructure.”
Enhancing Resilient Infrastructure for the Future
Moving forward, Hitachi will use program insights to enhance its HMAX Cyber platform continuously. Furthermore, the organization will strengthen the security capabilities of industrial control systems and operational technology products. Ultimately, Hitachi remains committed to working alongside global partners to build resilient social infrastructure.
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