In this IDC study (which is a translation of the Japanese report IDC #J8330104), we analyzed the performance of the Japan IT security market in 2007 and present our forecasts for the 2008-2012 period. The IT security market, which includes security software, appliances, and services, grew faster than other IT product and service markets between 2005 and 2007. Continued growth is also forecast for the IT security market, albeit at a somewhat decreased rate from 2008 onward.

"In addition to external threats such as virus attacks, robots, and phishing, interest in internal threats such as instances of information leakage and compliance breaches is also growing. The cost of implementing internal threat solutions is, however, high as it involves systems reviews and other prerequisites. Users are also getting more ROI conscious, making it necessary for IT vendors to put in place sound ROI models and implementation support systems to attract customers," says Hideki Hanaoka, research manager, Security Research, IDC Japan.