Japan on alert for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure

The Japanese government is set to issue warnings to critical infrastructure operators at risk of cyberattacks utilising advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools. These precautionary measures were revealed as part of a counter-strategy formulated by the Japanese government on Monday.

The move comes as concerns grow that Claude Mythos, the latest AI model developed by the US-based startup Anthropic, could be exploited to attack various systems due to its extraordinary capability in identifying system vulnerabilities. The Japanese government is also working intensively to establish a framework through the National Cyber Security Centre to respond to and prevent such attacks.

Japan’s Digital Minister, Hisashi Matsumoto, who is responsible for cybersecurity, has received specific instructions from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi since early May to prepare measures against potential cyberattacks amidst the increasing threats posed by AI. These countermeasures were drafted during a meeting on Monday, attended by Matsumoto and senior officials from various government agencies, including the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Infrastructure.

Minister Matsumoto warned that the misuse of AI could dramatically increase the scale and speed of cyberattacks. Consequently, he stated that the Japanese government must urgently design a response to these threats, as it is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention.