Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 1 day ago
Japan warns of rising, increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks
Japan’s government has warned ministries to be more alert as cyberattacks rise and become more sophisticated.
The National Cybersecurity Office, established last year, sent guidance to ministries, which will pass it on to local public bodies and private companies.
The advice includes keeping security software updated, using strong passwords and protecting supply chains.
The office also warned that attackers may pretend to be helping defend against cyberattacks, while artificial intelligence is making security weaknesses more complex.
Japanese companies have reported customer-data leaks, including a breach last month affecting information from about 6.6 million Times Car accounts.
More than 500 cyberattacks have been recorded in Japan so far this year, compared with 473 last year and 503 in 2024, putting this year on course for a record.
The leaked information has included passport and driver’s license details, contact information and credit card data.
Ministries are to share the warning with local authorities and businesses, and the government is urging people to protect their own information.
Japan’s government issued a warning on Oct. 9 urging greater vigilance as cyberattacks increase in number and sophistication.
The National Cybersecurity Office sent guidance to government ministries, which will pass it on to local public bodies and private companies.
The guidance recommends keeping security protections updated, using strong passwords and strengthening cybersecurity across supply chains.
Officials warned that attackers have posed as people offering protection against cyberattacks, while artificial intelligence is making vulnerabilities more complex.
More than 500 cyberattack cases have been recorded in Japan so far this year, compared with 473 last year and 503 in 2024.
Recent data leaks have affected major companies, and an attack on Times Car exposed information from about 6.6 million member accounts.
- Who
- Japan’s government and National Cybersecurity Office; Digital Transformation Minister Toshiharu Furukawa
- What
- A warning urging increased vigilance against rising cyberattacks
- When
- Oct. 9, 2026
- Where
- Japan
- Why
- Cyberattacks are increasing and becoming more sophisticated, with data leaks reported at major companies.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The attacks are getting increasingly sophisticated
Everyone must become vigilant about protecting your own information yourself
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Warning issued
- Oct. 9, 2026
- Cyberattack cases this year
- More than 500
- Cases in 2025
- 473
- Cases in 2024
- 503
- Times Car accounts affected
- About 6.6 million
- National Cybersecurity Office
- Set up last year
Sources
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