Minister of State for Economic Security, Sanae Takaichi advocated the early introduction of "active cyber defense" to prevent frequent cyber-attacks in a program broadcasted on NIKKEI radio on May 21. She also stated that the government will expedite the detailed design of a new law on "security clearance," which is necessary to deal with sensitive economic and security information, to take effect in the first half of 2025.
She prefaced that the issue of cyber-attack is out of her jurisdiction and added "In 2023, there was 1 attack every 14 seconds per IP address. 10 years ago, it was about once every 8.3 minutes." She also stated, "It is relevant to the survival of the people and social and economic activity could halt due to this.”
The government specified the introduction of active cyber defense in its “National Security Strategy” compiled at the end of 2022. The government will hold its first meeting of a panel of experts soon and accelerate discussions for legislation. "We also need a law to establish a government office to manage the task," Ms. Takaichi stated, showing awareness that the establishment of a “cyber security agency” is necessary.
In response to the passage of the “Act on the Protection and Utilization of Important Economic and Security Information,” Ms. Takaichi stated she would set up a panel of experts in June to decide on details regarding designation and cancellation of secret information.
Background checks conducted when providing a qualification for handling important economic and security information are subject to the consent of the subject. On the other hand, the way to manage companies that treat employees who do not consent to the background check or fail to qualify for it unfavorably is also a topic for discussion.
"We will clearly indicate specific prohibited activities in the operational standards," Ms. Takaichi emphasized. She also indicated in principle that government procurement contracts between government agencies and companies will include compliance with the prohibition rules.
She prefaced that the issue of cyber-attack is out of her jurisdiction and added "In 2023, there was 1 attack every 14 seconds per IP address. 10 years ago, it was about once every 8.3 minutes." She also stated, "It is relevant to the survival of the people and social and economic activity could halt due to this.”
The government specified the introduction of active cyber defense in its “National Security Strategy” compiled at the end of 2022. The government will hold its first meeting of a panel of experts soon and accelerate discussions for legislation. "We also need a law to establish a government office to manage the task," Ms. Takaichi stated, showing awareness that the establishment of a “cyber security agency” is necessary.
In response to the passage of the “Act on the Protection and Utilization of Important Economic and Security Information,” Ms. Takaichi stated she would set up a panel of experts in June to decide on details regarding designation and cancellation of secret information.
Background checks conducted when providing a qualification for handling important economic and security information are subject to the consent of the subject. On the other hand, the way to manage companies that treat employees who do not consent to the background check or fail to qualify for it unfavorably is also a topic for discussion.
"We will clearly indicate specific prohibited activities in the operational standards," Ms. Takaichi emphasized. She also indicated in principle that government procurement contracts between government agencies and companies will include compliance with the prohibition rules.
Background Information:
