Japan Govt Decides to Revise Cybersecurity Guidelines
Jiji Press Tokyo, Jan. 18 (Jiji Press)—The Japanese government’s cybersecurity strategy headquarters has decided to revise early the guidelines on compiling safety standards on cybersecurity measures for 14 key infrastructure sectors, including electricity and power supply systems, and airports.
The decision was made at a meeting of a related group of the panel on Thursday.
The government is believed to be aiming to make sure that suspicious equipment is not used in the private sector as well, apparently keeping in mind products made by such firms as Chinese telecommunications equipment maker Huawei Technologies. Companies are cautious over such government moves, however, in light of impacts on their operations.
Last month, the government, following in the footsteps of the United States, decided that its ministries and agencies will not procure information and communications systems that are possibly equipped with malicious functions, such as one for stealing information.
Through the revision of the guidelines, the government plans to urge private-sector operators of important infrastructure to follow suit in order to further beef up Japan’s cybersecurity system ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
But at Thursday’s meeting of the group, participants from the private sector voiced caution, claiming that such moves would have major impacts on their operations.
Although the guidelines are not binding, there is a possibility that infrastructure operators could be slapped with administrative penalties if disruption occurs in their services due to their failure to take measures against cyberattacks, informed sources said.
The revised guidelines would also likely call for facilities related to infrastructure supply to be set up at places safe from natural disasters.
Members of the group agreed that a planned council for the public and private sectors to share cybersecurity information will hold discussions through an online system in principle, while limiting face-to-face sessions, for making speedier progress.
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