Japan is embarking on a major overhaul of its national cybersecurity framework, with a new mandate requiring critical infrastructure operators to report cyberattacks.
The move, approved by the Japanese Cabinet in April 2025, is part of a broader strategy to build an “active cyber defense” posture, a significant departure from Japan’s traditionally reactive approach.
The proposed legislation will obligate essential service providers—including sectors such as energy, finance, and telecommunications—to notify authorities immediately when cyber incidents occur, and to register their IT systems with relevant government agencies. The aim is to improve real-time threat awareness and enable faster, coordinated responses to growing cyber risks.
Cultural turning point
“This is more than a legal requirement—it’s a cultural turning point,” said Takanori Nishiyama, Senior Vice President of APAC and Japan Country Manager at Keeper Security. “Cyber threats are not just private-sector concerns anymore. They are national risks that demand collective action, trust, and transparency.”
Historically, Japanese companies have been hesitant to disclose breaches, driven by concerns over brand damage and liability. That silence, however, is becoming untenable in today’s hyper-connected economy. Without visibility into live threats, both the government and private sectors are left vulnerable.
“Legislation like this recognizes a hard truth: silence is no longer security,” Nishiyama noted. “But it also puts the onus on organizations to be prepared. You can’t report what you can’t see.”
For the new mandate to be effective, Nishiyama emphasized that organizations must have the tools and processes in place to detect and respond to attacks. This includes robust password management, privileged access controls, and visibility into network activity.
“Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls anymore,” he said. “It’s about knowing who has access, managing that access intelligently, and ensuring systems are monitored 24/7.”
The success of the initiative will also depend on building trust in the system. Nishiyama stressed the need for clear reporting protocols and legal protections to encourage companies to disclose incidents without fear of reputational or regulatory backlash.
A model for Asia
Japan’s proactive stance could serve as a model for other APAC nations seeking to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. As regional threats grow more sophisticated, cross-border collaboration and shared threat intelligence will become increasingly vital.
“If Japan gets this right, it sets a benchmark,” Nishiyama concluded. “Cyber resilience is now a pillar of national resilience—and other nations are watching.”
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