Tokyo, Nov. 6 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government on Friday adopted an emergency cybersecurity package in response to a recent string of personal data breaches due to unauthorized access. The emergency package includes plans to accelerate discussions on forcibly blocking access to websites displaying stolen personal information and to dispatch a public-private cyber rescue squad to support companies’ initial responses to cyberattacks. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ordered the compilation of the package on Oct. 26, and it was approved at a meeting of related ministers on Friday. During the meeting, Takaichi instructed digital transformation minister Toshiharu Furukawa to consider revising the cyber response capability enhancement law. “Let us use the full strength of the government to enhance Japan’s overall response capability,” she said. In the package, the government acknowledged that basic cybersecurity measures were inadequate in many recent data breach cases. The government noted that advanced AI can now exploit vulnerabilities on a large scale in a short period, highlighting the need for society as a whole to implement countermeasures. The package lists concrete measures in four areas: thoroughly implementing basic measures while using AI, strengthening information-gathering and investigation systems, responding strategically to cyberattacks, and enhancing victim support and damage mitigation measures. Later this month, the government will launch a “top gun” team of highly skilled experts to improve cybersecurity measures and an outreach team to urge companies at risk of cyberattacks to adopt preventive measures. The government will also expand and deepen its cooperation with major foreign technology companies. The cyber rescue squad is expected to be launched by the end of fiscal 2026. Regarding forcible website blocking, the government plans to swiftly address legal issues, given that the Constitution guarantees the secrecy of communications. On Friday, the National Police Agency decided to set up its own initial response team of experts, which will be dispatched to firms hit by cyberattacks to mitigate damage and preserve communication records. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
