Japan launches emergency cyber package after wave of hacks on businesses
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has approved an initial 10 billion yen for measures after dozens of companies reported unauthorised access to their systems.
Japan's government launched an emergency cybersecurity package on Friday after dozens of businesses reported unauthorised access to their systems in recent weeks, along with possible leaks of client data, CNA reported.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told her ministers the package would cover security countermeasures, partly using AI, as well as stronger investigation systems, more support for victims and measures to stop damage from spreading.
"In light of the current situation involving increasingly serious cyberattacks, all ministers present today have put their heads together to formulate an 'emergency countermeasures package'," she said, according to CNA.
The plan will initially draw on 10 billion yen (US$63 million) already available in the government's budget. CNA reported the full cost is likely to be higher, and Takaichi has asked her finance minister to work out how to free up money for the whole plan.
The Japan Times reported the measures focus on closer cooperation between the public and private sectors and on building teams of experts. CNA, citing the Yomiuri Shimbun, Jiji Press and other reports, said the package includes a "cyber rescue team" of government and private sector specialists. A secretariat to coordinate the team's deployment when support needs are particularly acute is to be set up within the current fiscal year, those reports said.
Takaichi did not mention the rescue team in her remarks. She said the government needed to "keep up with the speed of cyberattacks in the AI era".
"Even at this very moment, incidents of unauthorised access and information leaks are occurring one after another, having a major impact on the lives of our citizens and on corporate activities," she said. "Let us mobilise the full capabilities of the government to strengthen our nation's overall capacity to respond."
Last month an information security arm of Japanese IT firm GMO Internet Group said a Chinese AI cybersecurity tool, Artex, was used in several recent hacks of Japanese companies, CNA reported. GMO Internet Group is itself among the firms that have been attacked.
Sources: The Japan Times, Takaichi administration announces emergency cyberdefense package; CNA, Japan launches emergency cybersecurity package after wave of attacks.
