Japan is facing a cybersecurity crisis. A government review revealed hundreds of security incidents in 2024 alone, exposing systemic weaknesses across critical infrastructure. While Tokyo has introduced new laws to expand its defensive capabilities, experts warn that outdated systems and poor planning leave the nation vulnerable to both cybercriminals and nation-state hackers

Scale of the Problem

The findings are stark:

• 447 cybersecurity incidents in 2024  more than double the previous year.

• 58 critical government systems operating without any security controls.

• 73% of systems lacking a formal continuity plan in case of attack.

For a country at the heart of global supply chains and regional geopolitics, such gaps create major risks not just for Japan, but for its allies.

Nation State Threats Targeting Japan

Japan is a high value target for advanced persistent threat (APT) groups. Key actors include:

• China’s APT espionage units  focused on stealing sensitive defense and diplomatic intelligence.

• North Korea’s Lazarus Group – known for financially motivated attacks that also destabilize critical industries.

• MirrorFace Campaign  a recent operation that successfully stole government data, exposing vulnerabilities in Japan’s defense posture.

Private Sector and Government Vulnerabilities

Beyond government agencies, Japan’s commercial industries are frequent victims. In 2024 alone:

• Companies were hit with ransomware attacks and credential stealing malware.

• Attackers exploited a PHP CGI vulnerability, launching a widespread campaign using Cobalt Strike, a tool often leveraged for post-exploitation in cyber intrusions.

These attacks underline the interconnected risks between government systems and private industries.

Japan’s Active Cyber Defense Law

In response, Japan enacted a new Active Cyber Defense Law, which grants unprecedented powers to:

• Shut down domestic servers used in cyberattacks.

• Monitor foreign internet traffic for signs of intrusions.

• Establish a Cybersecurity Council to improve public private cooperation.

While designed to strengthen national security, critics raise concerns about potential overreach and privacy implications.

Stronger Offense, Weaker Defense?

Despite legislative advances, Japan still struggles with outdated infrastructure and weak baseline defenses. The government’s ability to respond proactively is undermined by poor system hardening and slow modernization of legacy networks.

This imbalance strong laws but weak technical resilience  could leave Japan exposed in the event of a coordinated cyber campaign.

Geopolitical Context

Japan’s alliance with the United States and other Western nations places it squarely in the crosshairs of adversaries. China and North Korea view Japan as both a strategic rival and a vulnerable target in their broader cyber and hybrid warfare strategies.

Expert Recommendations

To close its cybersecurity gap, experts suggest Japan must:

• Modernize legacy systems with stronger authentication and encryption.

• Develop incident response continuity plans across all critical infrastructure.

• Adopt AI-driven threat detection for real-time monitoring.

• Increase intelligence sharing with allies through multilateral cyber defense agreements.

Conclusion

Japan stands at a cybersecurity crossroads. Without significant investment in modern infrastructure and resilience, the country risks facing escalating cyberattacks that could disrupt government operations, undermine public trust, and threaten its role in global security. The Active Cyber Defense Law is a start  but laws alone won’t secure Japan’s digital future.

FAQs

1. Why is Japan considered a prime cyber target?

Japan holds strategic importance in global politics and supply chains, making it a target for both espionage and disruption by hostile states.

2. What makes Japan’s cybersecurity vulnerable?

Outdated systems, lack of continuity planning, and inconsistent security controls leave critical infrastructure exposed.

3. What is Japan’s new Active Cyber Defense Law?

The law empowers the government to shut down malicious servers, monitor foreign traffic, and coordinate cybersecurity efforts with the private sector.

4. Are nation-states behind most attacks on Japan?

Yes, groups linked to China and North Korea are frequently tied to espionage, ransomware, and critical infrastructure attacks.

5. How can Japan improve its cyber defense?

By modernizing legacy systems, expanding AI driven detection, enforcing continuity plans, and strengthening international collaboration.