The Japanese government plans to establish a consultative body to implement an “active cyber defense” system in response to rising cyber threats. This body will involve key entities like the National center for Incident readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC) and operators of critical infrastructure. Modeled after the JCDC in the U.S., participants will share confidential cyber risk information and collaborate on defense strategies.
With the prevalence of “hybrid warfare,” where cyber-attacks target essential infrastructure alongside armed conflicts, Japan recognizes the need for robust public-private collaboration in cybersecurity. The government aims to reorganize the NISC into a command post for gathering and analyzing information to customize countermeasures against cyber threats. The consultative body will facilitate information sharing and analysis among members, enhancing cyber defense capabilities.
Participating entities are expected to include operators of electricity, telecommunications, water utilities, and railways, mandated to report cyber-attack information. Discussions also involve the installation of network monitoring sensors to enable prompt information sharing with the government upon identifying suspicious communications. Moreover, the government is considering security clearance requirements for certain private-sector participants handling crucial information.
To expedite the implementation of active cyber defense, Japan plans to enhance cooperation between public and private sectors, utilize communication data for attack source detection, and empower the government to neutralize attacks by accessing attacker servers. The consultative body will serve as a cornerstone for effective public-private collaboration, with expert meetings scheduled to advance discussions on the plan.
