Cybersecurity

— Latest update: August 2024 —

Japan has been one of the leading countries in the commercial application of information and communications technologies since the early 1980s. Nevertheless, today the country is considered one of the weakest among the 15 main global powers when it comes to cyber self-defense, as argued by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in of its latest report. Moreover, according to the report "ESET Threat Report First Half of 2023 (December 2022 - May 2023)" published by ESET Japan, the number of cyber attacks detected against Japan has been the highest in the world for three consecutive years. Cybersecurity – different from IT security in terms of purposes and operations – still seems to be an underestimated industry at the eyes of Japanese entrepreneurs and institutions, whereas many of the OECD member states have set investments in this area as a priority target.

Japan does have some potential strengths in a number of categories, but also shows significant weaknesses in others. Anyway, in the last decade Japan has been making efforts in this sense and has now a well-developed approach to the governance of cyberspace. The 2020s will be important for Japan as the world enters an era of a “new normal” and digital society.

IISS, Cyber Capabilities and National Power: A Net Assessment, 2021
NISC, About NISC, 2021
ESET, ESET Threat Report 2023

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Mission and guidelines
• International Cooperation
• Expert Reports
• Further Reading
• Relevant Organisations