Japan deploys AI, specialist teams to counter cyberattack wave

Japan’s government on Friday compiled a package of emergency measures to address a spate of recent personal data breaches caused by unauthorised access, amid growing public concerns over cybersecurity.

Among the measures are promoting the use of artificial intelligence to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and creating several teams of highly skilled experts.

The package was announced at a meeting of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and relevant ministers on Friday. Takaichi instructed officials last week to draw up the package following a series of high-profile personal data leaks resulting from cyberattacks – such as one that hit internet service provider GMO Internet Group with a ransom demanded.

It outlines four pillars: strengthening basic security measures through AI, improving information gathering and analysis, adopting a strategic approach to respond to attacks and enhancing steps to support victims and prevent further damage.

With these measures, Japan aims to build a resilient society with one of “the world’s highest levels” of cybersecurity, in which the public and private sectors share information and receive swift aid to recover from attacks.

The government will establish a “top gun” team of cybersecurity specialists to counter hackers and use AI to detect weaknesses in computer systems, and work with overseas IT firms and advanced AI developers to keep information about vulnerabilities up to date.

A “rescue team” consisting of experts from the public and private sectors will be established to be dispatched to cyberattack-hit businesses to assist with initial responses, along with a separate team to give advice to companies at risk before being targeted.

The government also intends to enhance its capabilities to neutralise threats by proactively accessing servers used by attackers as a means of “active cyber defence”. The pre-emptive measure became possible under a law that took effect in October.

In cases of incidents that could seriously affect national security, the government will dispatch a support team comprising officials from the National Cybersecurity Office, the National Police Agency and the Defence Ministry, among others.

Ahead of the package’s announcement, the government decided to tap 10 billion yen (US$63 million) from its 2026 financial year budget reserve funds to strengthen cybersecurity measures, including upgrading police equipment for intelligence gathering and analysis.

The measures were “the first step towards transitioning to a society that meets the world’s top standards of cyber resilience”, top government spokesman Minoru Kihara told reporters on Thursday.

The package would be “one that prevents damage from occurring as much as possible and, if damage does occur, is able to respond immediately”, he added.

Hacks and data breaches have ballooned worldwide, with AI’s ability to find previously unknown ways to break into computer systems in the global spotlight.