A/68/156/Add.1 threats. These attacks can be carried out by various entities and methods from all over the world. It is not possible for a country alone to tackle the rising number of cybercrimes and cyber attacks; the cooperation of the international community, including relevant States and stakeholders, is essential to address the challenges. On the basis of these perspectives, Japan is striving to build safe and reliable cyberspace by primarily focusing on securing free flow of information and freedom of expression while giving due attention to the balance between the protection of privacy and assurance of security. Efforts at the national level to strengthen information security and promote international cooperation in this field Efforts at the national level to strengthen information security Risks surrounding cyberspace have become more serious recently, and maintenance of cyber security has become an important agenda, with respect to our national security and crisis management and social and economic prosperity, as well as the safety and peace of the Japanese people. In this context, Japan developed a cyber security strategy in June 2013, covering the period 2013-2015. With this strategy, Japan will take actions to improve information security of the Government agencies and critical infrastructures and to strengthen the capability to take countermeasures against cyber attacks. Specifically, Japan has incorporated the following measures into the strategy: promote information-sharing concerning cyber attacks with public-private partnership; improve information security literacy not only for the Government and industries, but also for the Japanese people; raise awareness on cyber security; strengthen the capability to take countermeasures against cyber attacks through international cooperation; and increase our contribution in the development of international rules related to cyber security. Efforts at the national level to promote international cooperation With regard to the development of international norms on the use of cyberspace, we must with urgency start developing realistic and feasible norms of behaviour to address current issues in a non-legally binding form to cope with the rapidly advancing cyber technologies. Japan will continue to take part in these efforts actively in international forums. Regarding confidence-building measures, Japan is actively engaged in bilateral consultations with interested States and regional dialogues, including the Asean Regional Forum, with the aim of “improving transparency” and “promoting information-sharing”. In addition, in an effort not to create security gaps in cyberspace, Japan is providing capacity-building assistance to developing countries in Asia, Oceania and Africa, such as developing and strengthening computer emergency response teams. Japan is also promoting information-sharing internationally by strengthening coordination with national computer emergency response teams of other States. Japan believes these efforts contribute to building confidence with interested States. 14/24 13-47545