Japan Approves New Cybersecurity Policy to Detect Cyber Threats Earlier

Japan has adopted a new cybersecurity policy to help organizations detect cyber threats before they cause major problems. The government approved the basic policy on Friday, July 31, during a meeting of its cybersecurity strategy headquarters. The plan will support public-sector organizations and companies that run key services across the country.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan must keep improving its cyber defenses. She warned that cyberattacks are growing more dangerous and will not wait for the country to prepare.

According to Takaichi, Japan must continue working to maintain one of the world’s strongest levels of cyber defense. She also called for constant improvements as cyber threats continue to grow. The new policy focuses on finding cyber threats early. Japan’s cybersecurity strategy headquarters said recent attacks have become more advanced.

In some cases, malware has entered deeply placed computer control systems. The malware can also remain hidden for long periods before anyone finds it. The government said early detection can help lower business risks. These risks include the suspension of operations after a cyberattack.

Japan Plans New Support for Key Industries

The government plans to help companies in several important industries improve their ability to handle cyber threats.  These industries include energy, transport, logistics, information and communications, and financial services.

The support will include mock cyberattacks and other measures to help workers build cybersecurity skills. The plan also focuses on developing more people with the skills needed to deal with cyber threats.

Japan will also work with allied and like-minded countries to share ways of finding threats earlier. The government has also prepared common cybersecurity guidelines for organizations. The guidelines include limiting access to computer systems and creating plans for backing up important data.

Japan plans to start using these guidelines in October. The move will happen alongside the launch of the country’s proactive cyber defense system. The policy comes after a recent cyberattack disrupted systems at a major Japanese frozen food company, Nichirei. The attack also affected related businesses, including restaurant chains, according to Jiji Press.

The Nichirei attack is just one example of a broader trend; a ransomware gang has also claimed an attack on Japan’s Asahi Group, affecting 1.5 million individuals.

Nichirei Attack Disrupted Food Operations

Nichirei said a system problem began on July 13. The company later confirmed that a cyberattack had hit its servers. The company said it took steps to block further damage.

It also started an investigation into the attack and its possible effects. Nichirei said some affected servers held personal information. The company reported the matter to Japan’s Personal Information Protection Commission as a possible data leak.

The company said it would continue its investigation. It also promised to report the matter if it confirmed that personal information had leaked. Nichirei also disconnected systems used across its group.

The company said protecting customer and business partner information was its top priority. The shutdown affected refrigerated warehouse operations. It also disrupted the shipping of frozen food products.

Nichirei said it would work with an outside security company while taking steps to restore affected operations. The disruption also reached businesses that depend on Nichirei’s supply chain. TechRadar reported that KFC Japan was among the customers affected by the disruption.

The report said the incident raised concerns about food deliveries and possible effects on some restaurant operations. Nichirei later reported progress in restoring its operations. The company’s updates said restrictions on refrigerated warehouse activities and frozen food shipments were lifted. The company also reported that its locations had returned to normal operations by July 24.

Japan Moves Toward Earlier Cyber Threat Detection

Japan’s new policy puts early threat detection at the center of its cybersecurity plans. The government wants public organizations and key service providers to improve their ability to spot attacks sooner.

It also wants companies to strengthen their cybersecurity skills and prepare better defenses. The policy also encourages organizations to control system access and prepare data backups. These measures will form part of the common guidelines that begin in October.

Japan will also promote cooperation with other countries to share methods for detecting cyber threats. The government says these steps can help reduce business risks linked to cyberattacks. The Nichirei incident has also shown how a cyberattack can affect operations beyond the targeted company.

The attack disrupted food storage and shipments, while related businesses also faced supply concerns. Japan’s government now plans to strengthen early detection across key sectors. The new policy will support that goal through training, shared guidelines, international cooperation, and the planned proactive cyber defense system.