Cybersecurity preparedness initiatives in Hokkaido

Regional authorities in Hokkaido are organizing initiatives to improve cybersecurity preparedness and resilience.

In late August, the Hokkaido Bureau of Telecommunications announced a ‘Cyber Incident Exercise in Sapporo’ scheduled for September 8, 2026. This program, held in cooperation with the Hokkaido Regional Information Security Liaison, focuses on providing hands-on experience in responding to threats like ransomware and suspicious emails through practical simulations and organizational response training.

Following this, the Hokkaido Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry announced a seminar for September 30, 2026, specifically targeting the risks ransomware poses to small and medium-sized enterprises. This seminar will utilize case studies and introduce the ‘Security Control System (SCS) evaluation system’ to bolster supply chain security. Discussions surrounding these efforts emphasize a transition toward ‘cyber resilience,’ moving beyond simple prevention to focus on localized damage control and organized recovery procedures to mitigate business interruptions.