Japan has announced an emergency cybersecurity package worth 10 billion yen (about RM270 million) to strengthen its defences against a growing wave of cyberattacks, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and counter hackers.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the measures during a ministerial meeting on Friday, warning that authorities and businesses must be prepared to respond quickly as cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated through AI-generated attacks.
The move follows a series of major data breaches involving dozens of Japanese companies and government agencies, with unauthorised access to computer systems resulting in sensitive customer information being leaked.
“At this very moment, cases of unauthorised access and data breaches are occurring, causing a major impact on the daily lives of people and corporate activities,” Takaichi said.
“Let us increase the response capability across Japan by devoting all government resources,” she added.
The emergency package aims to build a more resilient cybersecurity environment by strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors, improving information sharing, providing rapid assistance to affected organisations and speeding up recovery efforts.
The government also aims to establish cybersecurity capabilities among the world’s best.
Under the plan, authorities will strengthen their ability to access servers used by hackers as a pre-emptive defence measure known as “active cyber defence”, which was legalised in October.
A specialised support team comprising officials from the Defence Ministry, National Police Agency and National Cybersecurity Office will also be deployed if a cyber incident poses a potential threat to Japan’s national security.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is expected to establish a team of elite cybersecurity specialists, described as a “top gun” unit, by the end of November.
The experts will use AI technology to counter cybercriminals and identify weaknesses in network systems before they can be exploited.
The team will also work with technology companies and advanced AI developers from friendly countries to ensure Japan’s cybersecurity expertise keeps pace with emerging threats.
In addition, a dedicated “cyber rescue team” made up of public and private sector experts will provide immediate assistance to businesses affected by cyberattacks.
Another specialist team will focus on helping vulnerable companies strengthen their cybersecurity systems and prevent future breaches.
