AI-Driven Cyberattacks Accelerate Threat Landscape in Japan

A recent survey of 500 chief information security officers (CISOs) found that 89% feel prepared for AI‑driven attacks, yet only 28% consider themselves very prepared. More than half believe attackers now have the advantage because AI shortens the time between vulnerability disclosure and exploitation, and 65% say response times have increased.

Industry experts say AI is lowering the barrier to launch attacks, enabling faster, cheaper, and larger‑scale campaigns. In Japan, a series of AI‑enhanced breaches hit major firms such as Nichirei, Askul and Asahi Group Holdings, causing system failures and operational disruption. Nobuo Miwa, president of Tokyo‑based security firm S&J, warned that attacks can be generated in “the blink of an eye” and often occur over weekend nights, stressing the need for advanced detection, rapid containment and external cybersecurity support.

Both reports emphasize resilience as the core defence strategy, urging organisations to shift from purely preventive measures to designs that can detect, contain and recover quickly, especially as many vulnerability‑management processes remain largely manual.