Initial Disclosure Date: Jul 12, 2013

The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) published its 2013 White Paper called "Defense of Japan 2013" in early July 2013 and explains about how the ministry and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) deal with cyber threats. The document brings cybersecurity up first in the chapter regarding "Issues in the International Community," arguing that cyber-attacks on the network of the government and military as well as critical infrastructure can "significantly affect national security." ^(footnote:1)

The white paper points out the asymmetrical nature of cyber-attacks. The MOD warns foreign militaries are developing offensive cyber capabilities and other countries hack into government networks to collect intelligence. While "Defense of Japan 2013" refers to the North Korea, PRC, and Russia as countries that are involved in cyber-attacks, it does not describe how they seek national cybersecurity. It introduces national efforts by Australia, the NATO, South Korea, and the UK, and the US. ^(footnote:2)

"Defense of Japan 2013" also mentions about what the MOD and SDF pursue cyber defense, education/training, and cooperation with their domestic and international partners. The SDF Command, Control, Communication & Computers (C4) Systems Command monitors SDF networks such as the Defense Information Infrastructure (DII) and Central Command System. In February 2013, the MOD established the Cyber Policy Committee chaired by Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense to address cooperation with the US and the defense industry, education, and supply chain risk management. The SDF plans to launch the Cyber Defense Unit by the end of March 2014, which is the end of Japanese fiscal year 2013. The MOD and SDF uses the Defense Academy and other graduate schools in Japan and overseas to let officials, officers, and NCOs to study cybersecurity and obtain relevant expertise. ^(footnote:3)

Sources:

1. "Defense of Japan 2013,"
   http://www.mod.go.jp/e/publ/w_paper/pdf/2013/17_Part1_Chapter2_Sec1.pdf , 113.
2. "Defense of Japan 2013,"
   http://www.mod.go.jp/e/publ/w_paper/pdf/2013/17_Part1_Chapter2_Sec1.pdf , 111-118.
3. "Defense of Japan 2013,"
   http://www.mod.go.jp/e/publ/w_paper/pdf/2013/35_Part3_Chapter1_Sec1.pdf , 220-221.

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