Japan plans to form a team of white-hat hackers to enhance cybersecurity defenses against cyberattacks.

Japan Probe / NHK Business, Japan Forward, Mainichi Shimbun + 1 more · Japan

23 Oct 20264 outlets

What it means

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) plans to establish a government-run team of ethical ("white-hat") hackers starting in November 2026. The team will be tasked with proactively identifying vulnerabilities in critical systems to defend against a surge in cyberattacks targeting Japanese infrastructure and businesses.

Accuracy & sourcesHeadline only

The claim is based on official statements from Industry Minister Akazawa Ryosei, widely reported by NHK and other Japanese outlets. It is a near-term policy announcement, not a speculative rumor, though the exact size and operational details of the team are not yet public.

How new

Genuinely new story from late October 2026, with the minister's announcement made within the past day.

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