IT Security Check Before October Q4 Start | 2026 Edition: Practical Guide to Second-Half Planning, Password Updates, and Vulnerability Review
Overview
In late September 2026, many Japanese companies and individuals are approaching the critical period before the second half (Q4) start in October, making it an important time to conduct a comprehensive IT security review. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications 'Information and Communications White Paper 2025,' approximately 68% of Japanese companies regard October as a half-year business milestone, reviewing IT budget allocation and operational frameworks. In the second half of 2025 in particular, ransomware damage increased 42% year-over-year, and phishing reports averaged 134,000 cases per month (Anti-Phishing Council, September 2025 results), reaching record-high levels. Before the new Q4 start in October, reliably implementing three key actions—password updates, vulnerability checks, and second-half security planning—is essential for Q4 business continuity and preventing security incidents.
This article presents a practical guide to new-quarter security checks utilizing SecureSS VPN, targeted at individuals and IT managers at small and medium-sized businesses preparing for the second half starting October 2026. It comprehensively covers second-half planning, bulk password updates, OS and software vulnerability checks, security training for family and employees, and emergency response protocol setup. From executives and IT managers to individual users, this is practical content for safely starting a new business cycle from Q4.
Why Security Matters Today
Security checks before the October new quarter are directly linked to second-half business continuity and minimizing damage in the following five scenarios. These are organized from cases published by IPA, the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the Anti-Phishing Council, and others in 2025-2026.
- Comprehensive elimination of password reuse and leak risks accumulated in the first half
- Checking and applying OS patches and software vulnerabilities left unaddressed during summer vacation
- Optimizing second-half security budgets, frameworks, and personnel allocation
- Advance countermeasures against the surge in phishing attacks during the year-end shopping season and year-end tax adjustment period
- Refreshing security awareness and securing training opportunities for family members and employees
SecureSS's Shadowsocks-based VPN provides the foundation for safe remote inspections from home, out of the office, and outside the company during pre-new-quarter checks. This article presents comprehensive Q4 security preparation combining SecureSS with a systematic inspection routine.
How to Approach It
Step 1: Formulating the Second-Half Security Plan and Bulk Password Updates
The second-half security plan formulation and bulk password updates are organized into five stages. Stage 1 is 'First-Half Review,' implementing: (1) listing incidents that occurred from April to September 2026 (phishing emails received, malware detections, password leak notifications, etc.); (2) tallying time and cost spent on responses; (3) evaluating recurrence prevention measures; (4) identifying unresolved issues; and (5) extracting lessons for the second half. IPA's 'Top 10 Information Security Threats 2026' lists ransomware, supply chain attacks, and targeted attacks at the top—confirm the response status for these. Stage 2 is 'Setting Second-Half Security Goals,' establishing: (1) Q4 priority countermeasure areas (endpoint protection, communication encryption, data backup); (2) budget allocation (security products, services, training); (3) clarification of roles and responsibilities; (4) KPI setting (incident count, response time); and (5) reporting structure to management. Stage 3 is 'Password Comprehensive Review,' implementing: (1) listing all business accounts (50-100 accounts for the average office worker); (2) checking for password reuse (checking for leaks with Have I Been Pwned); (3) identifying easily guessable passwords; (4) identifying accounts without two-factor authentication; and (5) considering a password manager. Stage 4 is 'Executing Bulk Password Updates,' implementing: (1) prioritizing Priority A accounts (banking, securities, primary email); (2) changing to random strings of 16 or more characters; (3) using different passwords for each service; (4) enabling two-factor authentication; and (5) storing update records (password manager or secure paper storage). Stage 5 is 'Reviewing Access Permissions,' implementing: (1) deleting unused accounts; (2) adjusting accounts with excessive permissions; (3) organizing accounts of resigned or transferred employees; (4) individualizing shared accounts; and (5) minimizing administrator privileges. These five stages establish the account foundation at the start of the second half.
Step 2: OS and Software Vulnerability Checks and Bulk Updates
OS and software vulnerability checks and bulk updates are organized into five items. Item 1 is 'Applying the Latest OS Patches,' implementing: (1) applying cumulative update programs for Windows 11/10 (all patches through September 2026); (2) updating to the latest version of macOS; (3) checking the latest versions of iOS/iPadOS/Android; (4) updating the kernel for each Linux distribution; and (5) confirming application after restart. JPCERT/CC's 2025 vulnerability report states that unpatched OS accounts for 37% of intrusion routes. Item 2 is 'Updating Business Software,' updating: (1) Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365 to the latest version; (2) PDF viewers (Adobe Acrobat, etc.); (3) browsers (Chrome/Edge/Firefox/Safari); (4) communication tools such as Zoom/Teams/Slack; and (5) accounting and business systems. Item 3 is 'Updating Security Software and Confirming Operation,' implementing: (1) updating antivirus definition files; (2) reviewing firewall settings; (3) confirming EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) operation; (4) testing backup software operation; and (5) installing the latest version of VPN/SecureSS. Item 4 is 'Checking IoT and Network Devices,' implementing: (1) updating router firmware; (2) considering migration to Wi-Fi 6/6E; (3) updating printer and multifunction device firmware; (4) checking smart home appliance security settings; and (5) strengthening network camera authentication. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' 'IoT Security Guidelines 2025' warns that 45% of home IoT devices have unaddressed vulnerabilities. Item 5 is 'Conducting Vulnerability Scans,' implementing: (1) running a full scan with Microsoft Defender; (2) using free vulnerability scanners (Nessus Essentials, etc.); (3) immediately addressing discovered vulnerabilities; (4) isolating devices that cannot be addressed; and (5) setting a regular scan schedule. The combination of these five items strengthens the system foundation at the Q4 start.
Step 3: Utilizing SecureSS and Establishing Q4 Security Operations
SecureSS utilization and establishing Q4 security operations are organized into five components. Component 1 is 'Introducing and Configuring SecureSS for the New Quarter,' implementing: (1) simultaneous installation for IT managers, executives, and family members; (2) deployment to all devices including smartphones, tablets, and PCs; (3) setting up automatic connection when traveling or out of the office; (4) making connection mandatory when using public Wi-Fi; and (5) the economical security investment of 500 yen/month or the family plan at 1,500 yen/month. Component 2 is 'Establishing Remote Work Infrastructure,' including: (1) mandatory SecureSS connection when working from home; (2) securing VPN connection routes to internal systems; (3) safe access from mobile devices; (4) secure communication with business partners; and (5) remote desktop connections from business trips. SecureSS's Shadowsocks protocol provides stable connections even within corporate firewalls. Component 3 is 'Security Training for Family and Employees,' implementing: (1) a 30-minute security training at the Q4 start; (2) sharing the latest phishing email tactics; (3) password management best practices; (4) safe use of SNS and shopping sites; and (5) online safety education for children. The Anti-Phishing Council's September 2025 results showing 134,000 reports are expected to increase further toward the year-end shopping season. Component 4 is 'Establishing an Incident Response Framework,' documenting: (1) contact flow upon anomaly detection; (2) contact network for IT managers, executives, and external support; (3) initial response manual for cyberattacks; (4) emergency shutdown procedures to prevent damage expansion; and (5) reporting flow to police and JPCERT/CC. Component 5 is 'Setting a Regular Inspection Schedule,' planning: (1) monthly patch application dates; (2) quarterly password reviews; (3) semi-annual comprehensive framework review; (4) annual business continuity plan (BCP) updates; and (5) confirming the operational status of SecureSS and other tools. SecureSS's 500 yen/month and family plan at 1,500 yen/month is a practical and economical investment as a communication encryption foundation at the Q4 start. The combination of these five components establishes a safe business and living foundation for the second half of 2026.
Summary
Q: Is updating passwords every six months sufficient? I heard you should change them every month.
A: The optimal password update frequency is determined by five factors. Factor 1: 'Latest NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Guidelines'—the 2024 revised edition does not recommend periodic forced changes, recommending changes only when a leak is suspected. Factor 2: 'IPA Guidelines in Japan'—the 2025 edition emphasizes immediate changes upon leak notification, recommending long and strong passwords over periodic changes. Factor 3: 'Semi-annual comprehensive review'—rather than forced changes, a practical review of reuse and vulnerability checks is realistic. Factor 4: 'Using two-factor authentication'—2FA is more effective at preventing damage than password strength; authentication apps (Authenticator) are recommended over SMS authentication. Factor 5: 'Utilizing a password manager'—automatically manage strong, different passwords for each service using tools like 1Password or Bitwarden. For the October new quarter check, the efficient approach is to implement three checks—leak verification (Have I Been Pwned), accounts without 2FA, and reuse check—and update only where necessary.
Q: Do individual users also need a second-half security plan?
A: Individual users can easily create a second-half plan with these five items. Item 1: 'Year-end shopping season phishing countermeasures'—SMS and email impersonating Amazon, Rakuten, Yamato Transport, Sagawa Express, etc. surge in November-December; SecureSS's secure DNS automatically blocks these. Item 2: 'Protection during year-end tax adjustment and tax filing period'—fraudulent emails impersonating the National Tax Agency and tax offices; ensuring safe access to My Number Portal and e-Tax. Item 3: 'Comprehensive check of family smartphones and PCs'—updating devices for children and elderly family members, deleting unnecessary apps, checking billing settings. Item 4: 'Holiday travel countermeasures'—public Wi-Fi countermeasures during year-end/New Year travel, preparing VPN for overseas use. Item 5: 'Preparation for next year'—organizing digital assets toward 2027, introducing a password manager, organizing digital estate for the family. Even individuals can establish a safe Q4 living foundation with a 30-minute check in October.
Q: How does SecureSS help with new quarter start checks?
A: SecureSS's Shadowsocks-based VPN provides protection in five areas during new quarter security checks. Area 1: 'Communication encryption during checks'—encrypting communications when checking internal systems from home or outside, safe even on untrusted networks like public Wi-Fi. Area 2: 'Phishing blocking'—automatically blocking fraudulent sites with the secure DNS feature, preventing impersonation fraud during the year-end shopping season and tax filing period. Area 3: 'Multi-device protection'—family plan at 1,500 yen/month covers up to 5 devices, simultaneously strengthening security for the whole family. Area 4: 'Remote inspection foundation'—safe access to internal systems when working from home or on business trips, supporting continued remote work in Q4. Area 5: 'Cost efficiency'—practical protection at 500-1,500 yen/month, optimal as a primary Q4 security budget investment. Meanwhile, advanced enterprise features such as Zero Trust Architecture, SASE, and DLP are outside the scope of SecureSS, so additional measures are needed for special requirements (financial institutions, medical institutions, etc.). The protection is sufficient for the second-half security foundation of general individuals and small-to-medium businesses.
The pre-new-quarter security check for October 2026 requires three layers—second-half plan formulation, comprehensive password review, and vulnerability checks—to be indispensable for business continuity and minimizing damage. SecureSS's Shadowsocks-based VPN provides a communication encryption foundation for the Q4 start at 500 yen/month and family plan at 1,500 yen/month. During the 5-day free trial period, experience a safe business and living environment at the start of the new quarter.