Key Facts
• August 25, 2025: Officials reveal plans for active cyber defense implementation.
• $123 billion requested for 2026 budget to enhance cyber defense capabilities.
• Additional $10 billion allocated for research and development.
• Active cyber defense aims to preemptively counter cyberattacks and minimize damage.
• Government to analyze and monitor three types of communication data: foreign-to-foreign, foreign-to-domestic, and domestic-to-foreign.
• New risk detection system to identify vulnerabilities in government cyber defense.
• International collaboration planned with the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Germany.
• Third-party oversight body to be established by spring 2026.
• Full implementation of active cyber defense scheduled for 2027.
Summary
The Japanese government is intensifying efforts to establish an active cyber defense system to counter cyberattacks preemptively. A $123 billion budget request for 2026 has been made, with an additional $10 billion for research and development. The initiative includes monitoring three types of communication data, enhancing risk detection systems, and strengthening international collaboration with countries like the U.S. and Germany. A third-party oversight body will be set up by spring 2026, with full implementation targeted for 2027.
