Japan unveils $63m emergency plan to fight cyberattacks

Japan has unveiled a multi-million dollar emergency policy package to combat a surge in hacking incidents. The country's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the package on Friday following reports of unauthorized access to businesses' systems and potential data leaks. Cyberattacks have surged globally, with AI's ability to exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities in computer systems drawing global attention.

Takaichi convened an emergency meeting with ministers to devise a countermeasures package, which will initially be funded by 10 billion yen ($63 million) from the government's budget. The premier intends to explore additional funding sources to cover the full cost of the plan. The package encompasses security measures, including the use of AI, bolstering investigation systems, supporting victims, and preventing damage from spreading.

Reports suggest the package may include the establishment of a "cyber rescue team" comprising government and private sector experts. The government aims to establish a secretariat within the current fiscal year to coordinate the deployment of the rescue team during periods of heightened support needs, according to sources. Takaichi emphasized the need for swift mobilization to keep pace with the rapid pace of cyberattacks in the AI era.

She highlighted that incidents of unauthorized access and data leaks are occurring continuously, significantly impacting citizens' lives and corporate operations. Takaichi called for leveraging the full capabilities of the government to enhance Japan's overall response capacity. The Chinese AI cybersecurity tool Artex was reportedly utilized in several recent hacks of Japanese companies, and GMO Internet Group, a Japanese IT firm, has also faced attacks.