Japan deploys AI, specialist teams to counter cyberattack wave
Japan’s government on Friday compiled a package of emergency measures to address a spate of recent personal data breaches caused by unauthorised access, amid growing public concerns over cybersecurity. Among the measures are promoting the use of artificial intelligence to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and creating several teams of highly skilled experts. The package was announced…
Japan's government unveiled a comprehensive set of emergency measures on Friday to tackle a surge of recent personal data breaches resulting from unauthorized access, as public concern over cybersecurity intensifies. The package, announced at a gathering of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and relevant ministers, focuses on four key areas: enhancing basic security through artificial intelligence (AI), improving information gathering and analysis, adopting a strategic response to attacks, and bolstering support for victims and damage prevention.
Prime Minister Takaichi directed officials to draft the package following a series of high-profile personal data leaks originating from cyberattacks, including a ransom demand targeting internet service provider GMO Internet Group. The measures aim to foster a resilient society with one of the world's highest levels of cybersecurity, where both public and private sectors share information and receive prompt assistance to recover from attacks.
Japan will form a "top gun" team of cybersecurity experts to combat hackers and employ AI to uncover vulnerabilities in computer systems, collaborate with overseas IT firms and advanced AI developers to maintain up-to-date knowledge of vulnerabilities, and establish a "rescue team" composed of experts from both sectors to provide immediate assistance to businesses under cyberattack. Additionally, a separate team will advise at-risk companies before they are targeted.
The government also plans to heighten its ability to neutralize threats through proactive access to servers utilized by attackers, a "active cyber defence" capability enabled by a law enacted in October. This pre-emptive measure became feasible under the law.
Ahead of the package's announcement, the government allocated 10 billion yen (US$63 million) from its 2026 financial year budget reserve funds to bolster cybersecurity, which includes upgrading police equipment for intelligence gathering and analysis. The measures represent "the first step towards transitioning to a society that meets the world's top standards of cyber resilience," stated top government spokesman Minoru Kihara on Thursday.
Kihara emphasized that the package seeks to prevent damage as much as possible and respond promptly in case of an incident.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
