File photo of Tokyo skyline.
Doha, Qatar: Japan has issued a nationwide cybersecurity warning, urging ministries, companies and financial institutions to strengthen their cyber defenses.
The Associated Press reported that the National Cybersecurity Office sent out instructions on October 9, advising institutions to take appropriate security measures.
The instructions included updating security software, using strong passwords, and tightening security across supply chains.
“Cyberattacks are increasing in both quality and quantity, the methods are becoming more sophisticated, and they are having a tremendous impact on people's lives, and of course, causing significant disruption to business activities,” said Toshiharu Furukawa, Digital Transformation Minister.
In another emergency meeting, former digital minister who heads the National Cybersecurity Strategy Masaaki Taira called the situation a “state of emergency in [the] cyberspace”.
The Financial Times reported that over 20 Japanese companies have disclosed attacks in recent weeks, including an attack on car-sharing services Times Car that exposed data from more than six million members.
Companies including Lawson, Daiwa Securities and Bookoff, as well as rail operator JR East have all reported data leaks.
Financial Times quoted a few cybersecurity experts as saying that Japan's ageing population makes the country more vulnerable to cyberattacks, partly because of weak cybersecurity practices.
Cyberattacks are also disrupting businesses in other parts of the world, with countries across Europe reporting barrage of attacks. Most recently, on October 12, 2026, French supermarket chains Intermarche and Cooperative U were hit by cyberattack that caused refrigerators to defrost at over 300 outlets, resulting in food waste and financial loss.
