Tokyo, Oct 9 (AP) – The Japanese government issued a warning Friday urging increased vigilance against cyberattacks, which are growing in number and sophistication. The National Cybersecurity Office, established last year, sent instructions to ministries that will pass them on to local public bodies and private companies.
The instructions emphasize basic measures such as keeping security software up to date, using strong passwords, and tightening cybersecurity across supply chains. They also warn that attackers pose as defenders and that the use of artificial intelligence is creating more complex vulnerabilities.
Major Japanese firms, including Lawson convenience‑store chain, brokerage Daiwa Securities Co., and secondhand retailer BookOff Corp., have reported customer data leaks. A cyberattack on car‑sharing service Times Car last month exposed information from about 6.6 million member accounts. Leaked data have included passports, driver’s licenses, contact details and credit card numbers.
A study released this week by the Yomiuri newspaper and Trend Micro shows more than 500 cases in 2024, up from 473 last year and 503 this year, indicating a likely new record. Minister for Digital Transformation Toshiharu Furukawa told reporters that attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and urged everyone to protect their own information.
