Japan allocates 10 billion yen to counter a wave of cyberattacks

Japan has launched an emergency cybersecurity package backed by an initial 10 billion yen (US$63 million) following a wave of cyberattacks targeting businesses across the country.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the measures on Friday (November 6), following reports that dozens of companies had experienced unauthorised access to their computer systems and possible leaks of customer data in recent weeks.

The move comes amid growing global concern that artificial intelligence (AI) could help attackers identify previously unknown vulnerabilities in computer systems and exploit them.

Addressing a ministerial meeting, Takaichi described the emergency measures as a collective effort by government ministers to address the increasingly serious cyber threats facing Japan.

The package combines AI-based security measures with stronger investigative capabilities, greater support for affected organisations and steps to contain breaches and prevent further damage.

The initial allocation will come from the government's existing budget, but the full cost of implementing the measures is expected to be higher. Takaichi has instructed the finance minister to identify additional funding to support the entire programme.

Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun and news agency Jiji Press have reported that the package also includes plans to establish a "cyber rescue team" bringing together cybersecurity specialists from the public and private sectors.

According to the reports, a secretariat would be established within the current fiscal year to coordinate the team's deployment and provide emergency assistance to organisations facing particularly serious cyber incidents.

Although Takaichi did not specifically mention the proposed rescue team, she emphasised the need to mobilise resources quickly enough to keep pace with cyberattacks in the AI era.

"Even now, incidents of unauthorised access and information leaks continue to occur, seriously affecting people's lives and business activities," she told ministers.

She called on government agencies to pool their resources and strengthen Japan's overall ability to respond to cyber threats.

The emergency measures follow findings released in October by the information security arm of GMO Internet Group Inc, a major Japanese technology company.

Its investigation identified the use of Artex, a Chinese-developed AI cybersecurity tool, in several recent cyberattacks targeting Japanese companies.

GMO Internet Group itself was also among the organisations targeted.