Following two weeks after the terrorist attacks in Paris, cabinet minister, Taro Kono, of Japan stated in an interview that the country is at risk of cyber-attacks by Daesh (ISIS).
Kono, a chairperson of the National Public Safety Commission reported that Japan is partnering with the CIA and Britain's M16 to better prepare for a an ISIS attack and security for the 2020 Olympics to be held in Japan. Kono did not give any specifics in regard to ISIS threats on Japan, however ISIS has said it considers Japan as a target.
“What we need to be most concerned about is Islamic State progressing to cyber-attacks on important infrastructure from using the internet for public relations and recruiting. They have some very capable people,” Kono said. He feels it is likely to make a move in the near future.
Kono voiced concern about the switch in physical threats to those in cyber-space. When encountering physical threats, Japan relied on security advantages with strict gun laws and difficult access to Japan as it's an island. When it comes to cyber-space, Japan will have to face similar risks to the US and Europe in the future, forcing the country to seal off vulnerabilities prior to any attacks.
"With globalisation, you potentially bring the world's problems to Japan,” said John Scarlett, former chief of M16 at a security conference in Tokyo last week. “The cyber-dimension will further complicate the threat landscape.”
Japan is not familiar with ISIS attacks on its nation's soil, however two of its citizens were kidnapped and murdered by the group earlier this year. Reportedly, Japan is sending troops to Syria to join an international coalition conducting airstrikes against the terrorist group.
