Japan plans a government-industry cyber response unit to help organizations needing urgent support, as officials seek faster action after a series of hacking incidents.
The Straits Times reported that dozens of Japanese businesses recently disclosed unauthorized access to their systems, with possible exposure of client information. It placed the incidents amid wider concerns about artificial intelligence’s ability to identify computer vulnerabilities that were previously unknown.
Yomiuri Shimbun and Jiji Press reported, as cited by The Straits Times, that the emergency package would bring government and private-sector specialists together in a “cyber rescue team.” The reports said a secretariat planned for the current fiscal year would coordinate deployments when organizations urgently need assistance.
Jiji Press separately reported that specialists from the “Top Gun Talent Team” would carry out simulated attacks in November to strengthen security. In October, GMO Internet Group’s information-security arm said Artex, a Chinese AI cybersecurity tool, had been used in several recent attacks on Japanese companies.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party has proposed a Prime Minister’s Office-led Cyber Response Headquarters to coordinate ministries. EconoTimes previously reported on a planned ethical hacker team to help businesses strengthen cyber defenses; Jiji Press and Reuters reported that it was due to start in November.
Government spokesman Minoru Kihara said Nov. 5 that the package should limit damage and enable a quick response if an attack succeeds. He described it as the beginning of a broader effort to meet leading international benchmarks for cyber resilience.
The Prime Minister’s Office said a Cabinet meeting on cybersecurity was scheduled for Nov. 6, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expected to present the emergency package.
