Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 1 hr ago
Japan announces emergency cybersecurity package after wave of attacks
Japan’s government has announced an emergency cybersecurity package after a recent wave of hacking incidents.
Dozens of businesses reported unauthorised access to their systems and possible leaks of customer data.
The plan includes a cyber rescue team of government and private experts to help when companies need urgent support.
A government secretariat is due to coordinate the team’s deployment within the current fiscal year.
Japan also plans to send specialists to simulate attacks this month and strengthen security.
The measures aim to prevent damage and respond quickly if attacks succeed.
The government says the package is a first step towards stronger cyber resilience, but the sources give no further timeline for the full rollout.
Japan announced an emergency cybersecurity package on Nov. 6 after a series of cyberattacks and personal data breaches.
The measures include using artificial intelligence to find system weaknesses and forming teams of cybersecurity experts.
A public-private “rescue team” will assist businesses affected by cyberattacks.
The package also sets out plans to improve information gathering, respond to attacks and support victims.
The government aims to build a society with one of the world’s highest levels of cybersecurity.
- Who
- Japan’s government, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
- What
- It announced emergency cybersecurity measures, including expert teams and the use of artificial intelligence to identify system weaknesses.
- When
- Nov. 6, 2026.
- Where
- Japan.
- Why
- To address a series of cyberattacks and personal data breaches, and strengthen the country’s response to cyber threats.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A law enabling the government to proactively access servers used by attackers took effect.
Takaichi instructed officials to draw up an emergency cybersecurity package.
Kihara described the planned measures as a step towards greater cyber resilience.
The government announced the package at a meeting of Takaichi and relevant ministers.
- Emergency funding
- 10 billion yen ($63 million) from fiscal 2026 budget reserve funds
- Rescue team
- Experts from the public and private sectors
- Top Gun Talent Team
- Cybersecurity specialists tasked with countering hackers
- Four pillars
- Basic security, information gathering and analysis, attack response, and victim support
- GMO Internet Group
- Among the companies hit by recent cyberattacks
4 sources
What people are saying
bring its full force to bear on strengthening Japan's capacity to respond
the first step towards transitioning to a society that meets the world’s top standards of cyber resilience
one that prevents damage from occurring as much as possible, and, if damage does occur, is able to respond immediately