ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Politics

Lagging China and the US, Japan to beef up cyberdefense

Even with 30% more people, Defense Ministry Unit still relatively tiny

Japan's Ministry of Defense hopes to expand its Cyber Defense Unit to around 500 people by 2024, many fewer than comparable units in other countries.   © Japan Ministry of Defense/Kyodo

TOKYO -- Japan's Ministry of Defense will expand its Cyber Defense Unit by 30% to nearly 300 people by next spring as increasing cyberattacks worldwide have spotlighted Japan's lack of readiness, especially in the military cybersecurity realm. The ministry will also step up recruitment of cybersecurity experts.

With the U.S. and China vying for supremacy in cybersecurity, Japan's lax defense posture could affect its alliance with Washington, analysts warn.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more