In response to the growing public concern regarding cybersecurity, the Japanese government has instituted a series of urgent measures designed to tackle the recent surge in personal data breaches. This announcement was made during a meeting held on November 6, attended by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and several key cabinet ministers.
According to reports from Kyodo News, the newly introduced measures emphasize the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems. Additionally, the government plans to form multiple expert teams composed of highly skilled professionals to enhance cybersecurity efforts across the nation.
The proposed action plan is built on four fundamental pillars. First, it aims to strengthen basic security measures through AI. Second, it seeks to improve the collection and analysis of information related to potential cyber threats. Third, the plan advocates for a strategic approach to countering attacks. Lastly, it emphasizes the importance of providing enhanced support for victims of cyber incidents, with particular focus on preventing any further harm.
Last week, Takaichi instructed relevant officials to draft a comprehensive response plan in light of alarming data breaches that had been making headlines across Japan. These incidents have been linked to a series of cyberattacks, one notable example involving GMO Internet Group Inc., a major internet service provider that faced such an assault.
A recent survey conducted by a private enterprise revealed a staggering figure: there were approximately 475 million cyberattacks targeting Japanese corporate websites recorded in just October of this year alone. This marks a historic high and represents a 150% increase compared to the same period last year, and a rise of about 21 million incidents since the previous peak observed in September. The escalating trend reflects the growing sophistication of high-performance AI technologies, which have streamlined the automation of these attacks.
In recent days, numerous major corporations have reported massive data leaks, with GMO Internet Group noting unauthorized manipulation of customer accounts. The investigation corroborates the reality of alarming rates of suspicious access, compounded by the increasingly severe damage caused by these cyberattacks.
The Takaichi administration’s new strategy aims to establish a resilient society with cybersecurity standards that rank among the highest in the world. The government envisions a collaborative environment where both public and private sectors can effectively share information and swiftly obtain assistance following cyberattacks to restore normal operations.
To bolster these efforts, the government plans to create a “strike team” composed of cybersecurity experts focused on addressing hacking incidents and utilizing AI to detect weaknesses in computer systems. Collaboration with international IT companies and advanced AI development organizations will also be pursued to ensure that information regarding system vulnerabilities is consistently updated.
Additionally, the government intends to form a “rescue team” made up of experts from both public and private sectors, which will be dispatched to companies affected by cyberattacks to assist in initial response efforts. Another group will be dedicated to offering advice and guidance to businesses at risk of being targeted before any attacks occur.
For incidents that pose a significant risk to national security, the government will deploy a support team consisting of officials from the National Cybersecurity Office, the National Police Agency, and the Ministry of Defense. These measures reflect a proactive approach to safeguarding Japan’s digital landscape against the increasing threats posed by cyber adversaries.