Japan Issues Nationwide Cybersecurity Alert Amid Rising Data Breaches

Japan Issues Nationwide Cybersecurity Alert

From Doha, Qatar, it is reported that Japan has issued a nationwide cybersecurity warning, urging ministries, companies and financial institutions to strengthen their cyber defenses. A file photo of the Tokyo skyline accompanies the report.

Details of the Advisory and Expert Comments

The Associated Press said 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.

Digital Transformation Minister Toshiharu Furukawa warned that “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.”

In an emergency meeting, former digital minister and head of the National Cybersecurity Strategy Masaaki Taira described the situation as a “state of emergency in [the] cyberspace”.

The Financial Times quoted several cybersecurity experts who noted that Japan’s ageing population makes the country more vulnerable to cyberattacks, partly because of weak cybersecurity practices.

Impact on Japanese Firms and Global Incidents

The Financial Times also reported that over 20 Japanese companies have disclosed attacks in recent weeks, including an incident involving car‑sharing service Times Car that exposed data from more than six million members. Other firms such as Lawson, Daiwa Securities, Bookoff and rail operator JR East have likewise reported data leaks.

Cyberattacks are disrupting businesses elsewhere as well, with countries across Europe reporting a barrage of attacks. Most recently, on October 12, 2026, French supermarket chains Intermarche and Cooperative U were hit by a cyberattack that caused refrigerators to defrost at over 300 outlets, leading to food waste and financial loss.