- Given that cyberspace and real space are becoming increasingly intertwined and the impact of incidents may spread over a wide area, the national government will strengthen seamless and nation-united response capabilities even in peacetime, keeping in mind the possibility of a minor incident may escalate into a major cyberattack. - The national government will strengthen response capabilities against cyberattacks in cooperation with communities in various fields and regions, while also enhancing information collection, analysis, and sharing functions through public-private collaboration. - The national government and each organization will strengthen response to large-scale cyberattacks by training and utilizing security staff through public-private collaboration. 4. 3 Contributing to the Peace and Stability of the International Community and Japan’s National Security - Amidst the growing severity of the security environment surrounding Japan, the uncertainty surrounding the existing order that it has hitherto enjoyed is increasing rapidly. Changes in the international community are accelerating and becoming more complex, including the emerging interstate competition in the spheres of politics, economy, military affairs, and technology. - Cyberspace has become a realm of competition that reflects geopolitical tensions, even during normal times. - The situation in cyberspace can no longer be deemed purely peacetime nor wartime, as alleged cases of cyberattacks targeting the critical infrastructure of a state by a competent military unit of another country. As greater segments of society become increasingly digitalized, cyberattacks have the risk of rapidly developing into a graver situation. - Influence operations, which are carried out using cyberspace that are difficult to attribute and assess incurred damages, can, at times, be conducted in combination with military operations and used in an attempt to change the status quo without engaging in armed attacks. - In particular, cyber activities suspected of state involvement include cyberattacks presumed to be conducted by China to steal information from the military industry and possessing advanced technology12, and by Russia to exert influence to achieve military or political aims13. North Korea also conducts cyberattacks to achieve political aims or obtain foreign currency14. In 12 13 14 Review and Prospects of Public Order, Security Bureau, National Police Agency (December 2020), US National Cyber Strategy (September 2018), Cyber Strategy, US Department of Defense (September 2018) In the “Overview of Threats in Cyberspace 2021” issued by the Public Security Intelligence Agency, it is indicated that the involvement of the Chinese military and intelligence agency has been pointed out. Review and Prospects of Public Order, Security Bureau, National Police Agency (December 2020), Cyber Strategy, US Department of Defense (September 2018) In the “Overview of Threats in Cyberspace 2021” issued by the Public Security Intelligence Agency, it is indicated that the involvement of the Russian military and intelligence agency has been pointed out. Review and Prospects of Public Order, Security Bureau, National Police Agency (December 2020), Interim Report of the Panel of Experts Assisting the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee on North Korea (September 2019) In the “Overview of Threats in Cyberspace 2021” issued by the Public Security Intelligence Agency, it is indicated that the involvement of the North Korean military has been pointed out in cyberattacks launched to gain money through malicious means, collect intelligence, and engage in destructive activities. 26