What is TaaS (Takedown As a Service)?

1. Definition and Background of TaaS

TaaS stands for Takedown as a Service—literally, a service dedicated to takedown operations. While the As a Service model is most commonly exemplified by SaaS (Software as a Service), the security industry has also embraced similar models, such as PTaaS (Pentesting as a Service).

TaaS (Takedown as a Service) is a service model designed to promptly remove phishing websites and illegal content.

In recent years, the evolution of generative AI has led to increasingly sophisticated fraudulent websites and malicious content wreaking havoc across the internet. Specifically, in addition to traditional phishing scams, there have emerged investment scams involving the names of celebrities and scams employing non-traditional approaches such as messaging apps like Line and voice communications.

Moreover, fraudulent content is no longer confined to text; scams now leverage audio and video formats as well, thereby expanding the variety of content types used in such schemes.

This trend is expected to intensify further with the continued advancement of AI. In response, TaaS is emerging as a new trend within the security industry, offering a proactive service to counter these challenges.

2. Security Phases and the As a Service Model

Security measures encompass a range of phases, including prevention, detection, analysis, threat response, recurrence prevention, and the formulation of response protocols. These phases are typically executed in a cyclical manner reminiscent of the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle, forming the backbone of an effective incident response lifecycle.

It is important to note that current As a Service models in the security industry predominantly focus on passive responses—that is, prevention, detection, and analysis.

3. Differences Between Passive and Active Responses

Traditional security services have been primarily specialized in passive responses such as malware detection software, threat analysis platforms, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments [1]. In contrast, TaaS distinguishes itself by addressing the phase of active response. Specifically, TaaS is a service model focused on threat response, aiming to swiftly “do something” about problematic fraudulent websites and illicit content.

For example, in one case study, rapid takedown of fraudulent websites was achieved shortly after the service’s initiation, providing significant reassurance to a client with critical interests—a financial institution.

Although threat response is in high demand and is among the most sought-after solutions in the security industry, the current participation of service providers in this area remains disproportionately low. TaaS is designed to bridge this gap. Various factors contribute to this discrepancy, but the key point is that the gap has significant societal implications and must be addressed.

The growing feasibility of an active cyber defense bill in Japan from 2025 further indicates that this issue is manifesting on a national scale.

It is not merely a shift from passive to active responses; rather, there is a clear demand for proactive countermeasures.

【1】In the current market, solutions that address active response phases are mainly provided by Incident Response Services (CERT) and cybersecurity divisions of law enforcement agencies. The distribution clearly shows that solutions for active response are more aligned with government bodies or legal services rather than the private security industry. This is because takedown services straddle the legal and digital domains. Additionally, the need for risk management introduces a complexity that forms a "strategic tetrad" involving digital strategy, legal compliance, and ethics, making it challenging to formalize as an "As a Service" model.

4. The “Phases” of Strategy and the Role of TaaS

Security strategy is typically divided into three phases:

1. Prevention and detection
2. Vulnerability assessment and PTaaS
3. Threat response

TaaS is precisely the service required in the third phase, threat response. In response to the demand encapsulated by the plea, “Could you please do something about this problematic entity?”, TaaS fulfills the critical role of ensuring that illicit entities are promptly halted.

5. TaaS and Risk Management: TaaS as a Risk Proxy

TaaS is not merely a security service; it also plays an integral role in risk management. For large enterprises, takedown operations are often viewed as inefficient and inherently risky, making the efficiency and management of these risks a paramount concern.

In companies with a strong culture of compliance, outsourcing takedown operations to a TaaS provider is frequently justified as a means of mitigating risk, thereby increasing the likelihood of its adoption.

Essentially, TaaS functions as a vehicle for risk transfer, serving as an important tool for large corporations to shift their risk externally.

6. Future Prospects: TaaS at the Forefront of Security

Looking ahead, TaaS is poised to further solidify its position in the security industry as a provider of active response. By bridging the gap between the rising demand for threat response and the current shortage of capable service providers, TaaS is set to become a driving force in shaping the future of security. From a risk management perspective, it is anticipated that TaaS will assume an increasingly vital role. Several successful case studies have already been accumulated in pursuit of realizing this forward-looking vision.

To realize this future, numerous successful case studies have already been documented.

1. 【Case Study】 Taking Down Phishing Sites in 2 Days for a Financial Institution -A Successful Phishing Site Takedown with a 1034% ROI
2. A New Approach to Prevent the Recurrence of Phishing Domains: Introduction of the "Good Faith Squatting Strategy (Phishing Takeover)"