Japan has declared a nationwide cybersecurity emergency due to a significant increase in cyberattacks targeting various businesses, resulting in the exposure of personal data for millions of citizens. Major corporations, such as convenience store chain Lawson, Daiwa Securities, and second-hand retailer BookOff, have been implicated in reported data leaks. Most notably, a cyberattack on the car-sharing service Times Car compromised information related to approximately 6.6 million customer accounts.

The Japanese government is calling on both businesses and individuals to enhance their cybersecurity measures to mitigate the rising risks. Toshihiro Furukawa, the Digital Transformation Minister, highlighted that the nature of cyberattacks is evolving, becoming increasingly sophisticated and more frequent. He stated that these cyber threats are causing significant disruptions not only to individuals but also to business operations.

In light of these challenges, the government has initiated a collaborative effort with relevant agencies to address the attacks. The National Cybersecurity Office has dispatched recommendations to government ministries, urging local authorities and private sector organisations to adopt stronger security protocols.

Record Increase in Cyber Incidents Reported

A recent study by the Yomiuri newspaper, in collaboration with the Tokyo-based cybersecurity firm Trend Micro, has revealed that Japan has reported over 500 cyber incidents thus far this year. The figures indicate a troubling trend, with 473 incidents reported in the previous year and 503 forecasted for 2024, suggesting the nation is on track to surpass previous records.

Data compiled by Reuters suggests that Japan experienced more cybersecurity breaches in the initial nine months of 2026 than throughout the entirety of 2025. The number of incidents in September alone reached 86, reflecting an 18 per cent increase compared to August and a 37 per cent rise from July. These breaches have resulted in the exposure of sensitive personal information, including driving licence details and contact information.

The government has warned that such data leaks pose risks tied to identity theft, fraudulent transactions, and other types of scams. Furukawa stressed the potential for secondary damages resulting from these breaches, highlighting the urgency for the public to adopt better online security practices.

International IT Security Challenges and Innovations

In response to this escalating threat, the Japanese government has urged citizens to refrain from reusing passwords and to activate multi-factor authentication wherever feasible. Additionally, individuals are advised to remain vigilant regarding suspicious emails and messages that appear to originate from trustworthy sources.

Reports indicate that advances in artificial intelligence may be contributing to the upsurge in cyber threats, as it allows hackers to easily identify software vulnerabilities and generate sophisticated phishing messages. This development raises concerns about the future of cybersecurity, as AI tools may make it more challenging to detect and counteract cyberattacks.

Japan is not the only nation confronting these threats; South Korea is similarly grappling with cybersecurity challenges. Investigations are underway into attacks targeting nine banks and two mega-churches, with indications that AI tools may have been utilised. Government data reveals that South Korea recorded 1,236 cyber incidents in the first half of 2026, signifying a 20 per cent rise compared to the previous year. Experts caution that AI-assisted criminal activities could become increasingly difficult to identify as perpetrators leverage these technologies to further enhance their operations.

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