INTEL: Japan convenes emergency cybersecurity meeting after major data breaches

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has convened a ministerial cybersecurity meeting on October 26, 2026, following a series of cyberattacks that exposed personal information, disrupted businesses and caused financial losses.

The government called the meeting to coordinate its response to escalating cyber threats affecting Japanese companies and other organizations.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara warned that stolen information was being used to cause further harm to victims, making additional countermeasures urgent.

Major cyberattacks prompt government response

Recent security incidents have affected several Japanese companies, including GMO Internet Group.

The company reported unauthorized access to its foreign exchange trading service, and some customers reported transactions they did not recognize.

GMO subsequently asked the government to consider active cyberdefense measures against the source of the attacks.

The incidents come amid broader concerns about large-scale personal data leaks and the financial consequences of cybercrime.

Japan considers stronger cybersecurity measures

Takaichi’s meeting brings together senior ministers responsible for cybersecurity, finance, defense and other government functions.

Officials are discussing stronger coordination between ministries and additional measures to protect businesses and critical digital systems.

Japan recently introduced a framework allowing authorities to take a more proactive approach to identifying and disrupting cyber threats, subject to legal requirements.

The government has not publicly established that the recent breaches were connected or carried out by the same attackers.

The meeting represents an escalation in Japan’s government response to cybercrime following incidents affecting companies and their customers.