Japan is set to hold its first public-private sector tabletop exercise to prepare for large-scale cyberattacks, particularly targeting critical infrastructure. The drill, scheduled for December 18th, will involve the central government, the Tokyo metropolitan government, and major infrastructure operators across the capital region.
The exercise comes during multiple cyberattacks in Japan, which have increasingly targeted sectors essential to daily life and economic activity. By simulating infrastructure disruptions, officials aim to identify vulnerabilities and establish a coordinated public-private response framework.
The exercise is designed around a scenario in which a sudden, large-scale power outage of unknown origin hits the Tokyo metropolitan area. Participants will simulate cascading disruptions affecting water supply, telecommunications, internet services, traffic networks, and railway operations. The goal is to replicate the chain reactions that could occur if Japan’s cyberattacks multiple systems simultaneously.
If power outages are prolonged, healthcare facilities could face urgent challenges, including the care of patients dependent on ventilators or dialysis machines. Similarly, persistent traffic congestion could delay fuel deliveries, including gasoline and diesel, with serious repercussions for everyday life and commercial activity.
Collaboration Between Public and Private Sectors
The cybersecurity drill will involve key infrastructure sectors in Tokyo, including electricity, gas, telecommunications, healthcare, and finance. The National Security Secretariat and the Tokyo metropolitan government are leading the exercise, with participation from major private-sector operators. Officials hope the exercise will clarify existing coordination challenges and strengthen preparedness for real-world incidents.
By conducting its first public-private cyber drill, Japan seeks not only to test operational readiness but also to reinforce collaboration between government agencies and private infrastructure operators. The simulation emphasizes the need for real-time communication, rapid decision-making, and coordinated measures to mitigate the impact of cyber incidents.
Strengthening Japan’s Cyber Resilience
This marks an important step in Japan’s response to cyberattacks, particularly as the country has faced a series of incidents targeting critical infrastructure in recent years. Experts note that Japan, with its highly interconnected urban infrastructure, is particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks that can trigger cascading failures.
Disruptions in one sector, such as electricity, can quickly affect water distribution, transportation networks, healthcare facilities, and financial services. The Tokyo metropolitan area, as the nation’s economic and political center, is especially critical in this context.
As Japan faces new cyber threats from highly skilled cyber actors, exercises such as this one in Tokyo are expected to become a regular component of national cybersecurity strategy. Officials believe that repeated drills will help identify gaps, improve response protocols, and enhance resilience against future cyberattacks on Japan’s essential infrastructure.