Data breaches have surged against the backdrop of advances in generative AI, and attacks targeting Japanese companies are becoming more sophisticated. Cybersecurity-related stocks have renewed their highs in the equity market, while the government is stepping up efforts to put a new defence structure into operation.
Corporate data breaches are being reported day after day, with the expansion of the damage attributed to changes in AI and the digital environment. Japanese companies were in some respects protected by the language barrier, but there is growing recognition that advances in generative AI translation accuracy have broadened the range of targets for attacks.
According to data from Tokyo Shoko Research, there were 3 large-scale breaches of personal information involving listed companies, each affecting 10 million or more records, over the 14-year period, but 3 have already occurred this year. Breaches involving 1 million or more records are also increasing at the fastest pace on record, and data breaches at major companies including Times Park24 and Daiwa Securities Group headquarters were reported between the end of September and October.
As the importance of security measures grows, the government plans to put a new defence structure under the Active Cyber Defense Act into operation from October, with the National Cybersecurity Office serving as the command centre for proactive defence.
Cybersecurity-related stocks have continued to rise in the equity market, and it has been suggested that news of corporate data breaches may be affecting market trends.