AI Evolution Drives New Approaches to Vulnerability Management at Internet Week 2026

Internet Week 2026 marks the 30th edition of the long-running technical conference focused on internet operations, security, governance, and education. The event runs online from November 19 to 24 and onsite at KFC Hall & Rooms in Tokyo from November 25 to 27 under the theme "Learn the Skills to Survive the AI Era." A dedicated basic-level session titled "C7: AI Evolution Brings a New Wave in Vulnerability Response – On-Site Realities and the Future" will examine how rapid AI advances are shortening the window between vulnerability discovery and exploitation. Organizers Iwata Kotono of ICT-ISAC and Ishibashi Takumi of ISOG-J explain that traditional response methods must be reviewed because attackers can now leverage AI to accelerate both discovery and weaponization. The 90-minute program on November 25 features speakers from LAC Corporation, Nikkei, and Secu Pi who will walk through planning, assessment, and remediation while highlighting practical constraints such as budgets and staffing. The session targets security managers, developers, and operators who want to update existing processes rather than adopt entirely new frameworks.

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Internet Week (IW), the historic technical conference that has brought together engineers involved in internet technology and operations since the 1990s, celebrates its 30th edition in 2026. The event will be held online from November 19 (Thursday) to November 24 (Tuesday), excluding weekends, and onsite from November 25 (Wednesday) to November 27 (Friday) at KFC Hall & Rooms in Ryogoku, Tokyo, under the theme "Learn the Skills to Survive the AI Era."

One of the highlighted programs addresses vulnerability response in the AI era. Organizers Iwata Kotono of the ICT-ISAC and Ishibashi Takumi of the ISOG-J shared the background and key points of the session during an interview.

Re-evaluating Traditional Methods

The rapid evolution of AI is significantly changing the speed and scale of cyberattacks. The number of discovered vulnerabilities is expected to rise, and the time from discovery to exploitation is likely to shrink. The program reviews the fundamentals of vulnerability response while exploring what changes AI introduces, aiming to give participants hints for reassessing their organizations' practices.

Basic Category Session

Classified under the "basic" track, the session starts with overall concepts and planning, then moves through assessment (information gathering and risk evaluation) and remediation (patch verification and deployment). No advanced knowledge is required; familiarity with terms such as vulnerability and patch is sufficient. The content also covers principles that remain important amid AI-driven changes, making it useful for both newcomers and experienced practitioners seeking to review their current approaches.

Speaker Selection Criteria

Speakers were chosen not only for technical expertise but also for their daily thinking on cybersecurity and hands-on experience navigating real-world constraints such as budgets, personnel, and operational impact. The goal is to deliver practical insights that help attendees feel "this could work in my organization."

Three-Part Structure

The session is divided into three parts covering overall thinking, assessment, and remediation, with experts presenting sequentially. Attendees are encouraged to consider whether their own organizations can implement the discussed measures and to share any difficulties during the Q&A.

Connection to the Main Theme

Rather than requiring entirely new methods, the program emphasizes updating existing vulnerability response knowledge and practices to address AI-accelerated threats. "Surviving the AI era" is framed as the ability to correctly understand changes and decide priorities for one's own environment.

Recommended Audience

The session is aimed at security managers, vulnerability response personnel, and those involved in the development, operation, and maintenance of products, systems, and services. No prior deep knowledge of AI or attack techniques is needed.

Expected Outcomes

Organizers hope the session will prompt participants to reflect on gaps between perceived and actual response capabilities, especially when attackers use AI. Attendees are invited to voice organizational challenges so the room can collectively explore solutions.

The program runs on November 25 from 15:00 to 16:30 in the main hall. Confirmed speakers include Inoue Kei (LAC Corporation), Iinuma Tsubasa (Nikkei), and Abe Yosuke (Secu Pi). More details are available at the official Internet Week 2026 site.

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