Rakuten Mobile, Cloudflare team up on SME security

Rakuten Mobile and Cloudflare have formed a partnership to provide managed Zero Trust security services to small and mid-sized businesses in Japan.

Under the arrangement, Rakuten Mobile becomes Japan's first Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) partner for Cloudflare, offering Cloudflare's Zero Trust and Network Services as a managed solution. The initiative is designed to meet the security requirements of Japanese corporate clients and facilitate digital transformation with secure, simplified access.

Cloudflare's security tools blocked an average of 385 million cyber threats per day across Japan during the first quarter of 2025. The most targeted sectors included retail, gaming and gambling, information technology and services, and telecommunications.

The partnership aims to address the security needs of the small and medium-sized business (SMB) market segment, which both companies identify as underserved by traditional enterprise security providers.

SMBs face risk levels similar to those encountered by large enterprises but often lack resources and access to advanced cybersecurity tools. By offering Cloudflare's Zero Trust security model in a managed format, Rakuten Mobile and Cloudflare aim to provide more accessible solutions.

Zero Trust is a cybersecurity framework centred on the idea of 'never trust, always verify' with continuous authentication and strengthened data protection. The model is designed to accommodate hybrid and remote work, regular network monitoring, and simplified log management, which can help reduce the operational burden for businesses without in-house security expertise.

Through the partnership, Rakuten Mobile is authorised to manage the provision, access, and use of Cloudflare's Zero Trust and Network Security services on behalf of its clients. Clients can add managed cybersecurity services as an extension of their existing Rakuten Mobile offerings. These services are presented as a comprehensive package alongside Rakuten's KOSOKU Access high-speed Internet, including setup, configuration, and ongoing maintenance support. Both companies operate cloud-native networks on a single platform, aiming to deliver efficient managed security services.

"We believe Cloudflare is the only company offering a broad range of network security and SASE services through a unified platform built on our infrastructure, delivering the most comprehensive set of managed solutions. Service providers like Rakuten Mobile are fundamental to extending critical security protections and we are thrilled to be partnering to protect businesses in Japan," Tom Evans, Chief Partner Officer at Cloudflare, said.

"As demand for managed security services grows, Cloudflare's connectivity cloud platform is set to enable partners to deliver cost-effective, scalable cybersecurity. By combining Cloudflare's global infrastructure and operational efficiencies with Rakuten Mobile's regional expertise, we're empowering businesses in Japan to strengthen their security posture while controlling costs."

"Rakuten Mobile is thrilled to partner with Cloudflare to offer enhanced security services to our corporate clients in Japan. By combining Cloudflare's solutions with our comprehensive network services and support, we will empower our clients' digital transformation with a one-stop solution for network and security. Through this initiative, we aim to deliver a secure and reliable infrastructure environment for our corporate clients," Kazuhiro Suzuki, Co-CEO of Rakuten Mobile, said.

Rakuten Mobile corporate clients now have the option to add Cloudflare Zero Trust and Network Security services as part of their managed network offerings.