{
  "id": 2755207,
  "title": "Japan outlines measures to protect infrastructure from cyberattacks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/japan-outlines-measures-to-protect-infrastructure-from-cyberattacks",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-23T08:13:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/23/japan/japan-critical-infrastructure-cybersecurity-guidelines/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Japanese government has drafted guidelines proposing 150 measures to bolster cybersecurity for businesses managing critical infrastructure. The guidelines recognize that even closed networks disconnected from the internet remain vulnerable to threats. In response to a recent surge in ransomware attacks, the draft recommends that such businesses secure cybersecurity insurance, but advises against paying ransoms. The government will accept public comments on the draft until Wednesday, after which it plans to revise the guidelines and release the final version by the end of September.\n\nThe guidelines target 16 sectors deemed critical infrastructure, such as finance, railways, and electricity. The draft emphasizes that cybersecurity is a \"management issue\" crucial for a company's survival, acknowledging that completely protecting against cyberattacks is challenging. Businesses in these sectors are urged to enhance their recovery capabilities, preparing for potential system failures. The draft cautions against overconfidence, advising companies not to underestimate the risks of relying on closed networks, dedicated operating systems, or unique technical specifications.\n\nRecommended measures include taking out cybersecurity insurance to mitigate the financial impact of ransomware attacks, while still discouraging companies from paying ransoms. The draft also highlights the need to urgently strengthen defenses against advanced AI models like Claude Mythos, including the use of sophisticated AI models. Furthermore, it calls for the adoption of postquantum cryptography (PQC) by as early as 2035 in response to advancements in quantum computing technology.",
  "summary": "In light of a recent series of ransomware attacks, the draft urges such businesses to take measures, including taking out cybersecurity insurance.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}