Japan Calls In AI and Cyber Rescue Teams After Wave of Breaches

Japan has had enough of the data-breach drama—and it’s bringing AI into the fight.

The government announced an emergency cybersecurity package on November 6, after a wave of unauthorized access and data leaks hit companies and government agencies. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged both public agencies and businesses to strengthen their defenses as cyberattacks become faster in the AI era.

Meet the Cyber Squads

Under the plan, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will set up a team of cybersecurity specialists by the end of November. According to The Associated Press, the experts will use AI to help counter hackers and find weaknesses in network systems.

But that’s not the only team getting the call. A separate cyber rescue team, made up of public- and private-sector experts, will help companies respond when attacks hit. Another team will help vulnerable businesses strengthen their defenses.

Money and a Faster Response

Takaichi said the government had allocated approximately 10 billion yen in reserve funds for immediate needs, while officials would consider additional funding for the full package.

The prime minister also called for faster reporting of attacks on critical infrastructure, aiming for information to reach the government’s National Cybersecurity Office within hours if possible—or at least on the same day. The message? When the hackers move fast, Japan wants its response to move faster.

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