The Japanese authorities have presented an emergency package of cybersecurity measures. The reason was a series of large-scale data leaks affecting major companies and government agencies. This was reported by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at a meeting of ministers on Friday.
According to her, in the era of attacks generated by artificial intelligence (AI - programs capable of learning and performing tasks that previously required humans), a rapid response to potential threats is critically important. The prime minister called on both government agencies and businesses to raise their level of readiness.
The package is estimated at 10 billion yen (about 63 million dollars). Its goal is to build a resilient society in which the public and private sectors exchange information, promptly help victims and recover from damage. The stated task is to reach one of the highest levels of cybersecurity in the world.
Among the measures is expanding access to servers used by hackers. This is a proactive approach known as "active cyber defense"; the corresponding powers were legalized in October. If a threat to national security arises, the government will send a support group of employees from the Ministry of Defense, the National Police Agency and the National Cybersecurity Office.
In addition, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will create an elite team of cybersecurity experts by the end of November. Its members will use AI to counter hackers and search for vulnerabilities in network systems. The team will cooperate with technology companies and leading AI developers from friendly countries to keep Japanese security expertise up to date.
A "cyber rescue team" of public and private sector specialists will also appear. It will handle initial response at companies affected by attacks. A separate group will help vulnerable organizations strengthen their defenses.
The package was a response to dozens of cases of unauthorized access to the systems of companies and government institutions and leaks of client data, which caused concern in Japanese society. As Takaichi stated, cases of unauthorized access and leaks are happening right now, having a serious impact on people's daily lives and the activities of companies.