Japan to prioritise domestic cybersecurity solutions

Japan has announced plans to prioritise the use of domestic software for cybersecurity purposes, as part of an initiative to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign products in this critical sector.

The government intends to offer subsidies and support technology standards that will encourage the growth of the local cybersecurity industry. However, this move is also a part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance cyber defence and strengthen national security.

As of 2021, Japanese domestic companies were responsible for around 40% of the nation’s cybersecurity countermeasure products. For newer products, this share has significantly decreased, with domestic offerings accounting for less than 10% of the latest cybersecurity technologies.

The move reflects Japan’s increasing focus on cybersecurity as a national priority, particularly in the face of rising global cyber threats. By fostering a stronger domestic cybersecurity ecosystem, Japan aims to enhance its resilience against cyberattacks.

Experts, however, warned that that restricting foreign products could limit access to cutting-edge technologies, making the domestic industry potentially less competitive in terms of features, capabilities, or performance. This could hinder the effectiveness of cybersecurity defenses.

To support this transition, the government plans to offer financial incentives and collaborate with local technology providers to establish standardized solutions that meet both national and international security requirements.

These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Japan’s critical infrastructure and businesses are better protected in the digital age.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.