Japan Deploys "Active Cyber Defense"
In the face of rising Nation State and eCrime threats, Japan is shifting to active cyber defense. This approach demands a unified, strategic foundation. Without it, Japan may end up more vulnerable than before, creating new risks instead of resolving old ones.
Cyber threats continually grow more complex, and Japan has allegedly move to adopt what it calls "active cyber defense", a posture sparking significant discussion for obvious reasons. Over the last decade and a half, the nation’s strategy relied heavily on reactive measures, only responding to attacks after they occurred. However, a new wave of sophisticated breaches targeting government institutions and critical industry, including a myriad of attacks attributed to the Chinese Nation State adversary MirrorFace, the need for a more assertive approach has become clear according to those in the government. Yet, this concept of “active cyber defense” is not without controversy. While it signals a shift from passive defenses, Japan’s limited experience in offensive cyber operations raises critical concerns about whether this strategy might ultimately exacerbate the country’s cyber security challenges.
Japan has long struggled with building the foundational elements of effective cyber security not just in government, but across its major critical infrastructure. Despite its technological prowess in these other domains, the nation’s cyber security investment, skilled workforce, and research capabilities remain vastly underdeveloped, particularly when compared to its regional counterparts. The relatively small number of cyber security professionals, combined with a lack of strong public-private partnerships, continues to leave Japan vulnerable. Introducing a more aggressive, active approach to cyber defense could stretch these limited resources even further, creating more gaps in defense rather than closing them. In fact, it is likely more attacks will occur as a result of this new stance.
Moreover, active defense strategies often involve preemptive actions, such as identifying and neutralizing threats at their source. This requires offensive cyber capabilities Japan has yet to cultivate at scale. Without mature offensive tradecraft, active defense risks turning into reactive chaos, leaving critical infrastructure and sensitive data even more exposed. The notion that simply implementing active defense will solve current problems is highly misguided. Instead, Japan must prioritize a solid foundation: investing in training, forging alliances, and building a robust cyber security ecosystem. Until these measures are in place, active defense will do more harm than good, highlighting just how far Japan still needs to go to achieve a truly resilient cyber posture.
The country stands at its own digital Sekigahara, a turning point that could determine its fate in cyberspace. Like the warring factions of that historic battle, today’s Nation State and eCrime adversaries show no mercy. They exploit weakness, outmaneuver defenses, and strike without hesitation. In 1600, the Tokugawa shogunate’s victory was not just about weapons, but about strategy, preparation, and an unyielding drive for unification.
Similarly, Japan’s active cyber defense must be more than a collection of disparate tools or mere policy statements from octogenarian politicians who have no frame of reference for cyber war. It must be a cohesive, well-planned campaign uniting all aspects of the nation’s cyber security capabilities. Without a unified strategy and the fortitude to see it through, Japan risks losing more than just digital ground; it risks becoming a perennial battleground for those who can wield their cyber swords with greater precision and power.
Support Praeryx Content
Are you passionate about advancing your understanding of cyber security and cyber threat intelligence, and want to see more in-depth, thought-provoking content like this? Consider supporting Praeryx in our mission to educate and empower with a donation directly contributing to the continued creation of valuable resources and insights, helping Praeryx to provide impactful and timely content. Join us in building a more secure digital future by donating today!
Donate to Praeryx
