Japan to Conduct Mock Cyberattack Tests on Local Govts

Tokyo, Sept. 17 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry plans to conduct in fiscal 2025 mock cyberattack tests on the computer networks of local governments.

The measure is aimed at strengthening local governments' security by checking system vulnerabilities. The ministry sought funds for the project without specifying the amount in its budget request for the year starting in April 2025.

Recently, media and digital business group Kadokawa Corp. was hit with a ransomware attack in which personal information of some 250,000 people was stolen.

Local governments' computer systems are equipped with measures to prevent network intrusions when they detect unauthorized access or suspicious emails. The security was enhanced in response to a system breach that struck the government-held Japan Pension Service in 2015.

There are worries that residents' personal information would be compromised if vulnerabilities are left unnoticed in security systems of local governments.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]