Japan plans to develop new cybersecurity strategy
As Japan ramps up its cybersecurity efforts, a sweeping transformation is underway—one that could redefine how the country protects its digital infrastructure in the face of quantum-era threats and geopolitical tensions.
The Japanese government is preparing to develop a new cybersecurity strategy within the year, aiming to address growing digital threats targeting both public institutions and private enterprises. As part of the forthcoming strategy, the government plans to transition its internal communications systems from public-key cryptography to post-quantum cryptography, which is considered more resilient against potential cyberattacks enabled by quantum computing technologies.
In a recent development, Defence Minister Gen Nakatani met with Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Šakalienė in Tokyo, where both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on cybersecurity. A Japanese Ministry of Defence expert will be sent to Lithuania in June to engage with local specialists, who are recognised for their expertise in managing persistent cyber threats, particularly those attributed to Russian state-linked actors.
The agreement follows an earlier announcement that Japan intends to expand its pool of specialist cybersecurity personnel from the current 24,000 to at least 50,000 by 2030. The target was introduced in response to a Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) panel recommendation that the country needs approximately 110,000 skilled cybersecurity professionals to meet growing demand.
Under new regulatory measures due to take effect in 2026, the government will also begin inspecting the cybersecurity practices of private companies. Firms failing to meet the established standards may risk losing access to state subsidies.
Earlier this year, in March, the Japanese parliament passed a new law enabling active cyberdefence measures, allowing authorities to legally monitor communications data during peacetime and neutralise foreign servers if cyberattacks occur.
