Leaders from Japan, the United States, and the Philippines plan to build a strong defense network against cyber threats by sharing critical information and expertise. The decision comes ahead of a summit on April 11, according to Nikkei (via Reuters).
Growing Cyber Threats in Asia
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TOPSHOT - This photo taken on June 4, 2019 shows the Chinese flag behind razor wire at a housing compound in Yangisar, south of Kashgar, in China's western Xinjiang region. A recurrence of the Urumqi riots which left nearly 200 people dead a decade ago is hard to imagine in today's Xinjiang, a Chinese region whose Uighur minority is straitjacketed by surveillance and mass detentions. A pervasive security apparatus has subdued the ethnic unrest that has long plagued the region.
Last February, hackers operating from China attempted to breach Philippine government websites and email systems, including those of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Although the attempts were unsuccessful, they underscore the growing cyber threats faced by nations in the region.
Renato Paraiso, a spokesperson for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in the Philippines, stated, "We are not attributing this to any state. But using the internet protocol addresses, we pinpointed it to China." Paraiso stressed the need for cooperation to prevent future attacks.
Meanwhile, Japan has recently witnessed a surge in cyber incidents, with attacks targeting critical infrastructure, telecom carriers, and government agencies. Kazutaka Nakamizo, Deputy Director of Japan's National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC), highlighted the alarming increase, from 150 cases in 2021 to 230 cases in 2022.
In response to these threats, the United States Justice Department recently dismantled a botnet operated by a Chinese hacking group known as Volt Typhoon. The group's goal was to collect information for potential disruption of critical infrastructure, posing a significant risk to national security.
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(Photo : Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)
Japan, the US, and the Philippines forge a cyber defense alliance to combat rising cyber threats, emphasizing information sharing and joint efforts.
United States and Allies Against Cyber Threats
Japan and the United States have been collaborating closely to counter shared cyber threats. Last September, they issued a joint cybersecurity advisory on China-linked cyber actors, emphasizing the importance of information sharing and coordinated responses.
As part of efforts to enhance cybersecurity measures, Japan has doubled the staff and budget of NISC. The agency is also prioritizing private-public partnerships to improve information sharing between the government and businesses.
The formation of a cyber defense alliance between Japan, the United States, and the Philippines reflects a broader trend of security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. In addition to countering cyber threats, the alliance aims to strengthen cooperation on defensive technologies and joint drills.
However, the rapid expansion of military alliances could potentially escalate tensions with China, raising concerns about regional stability. Nonetheless, Japan, the United States, and their allies remain committed to safeguarding their interests and ensuring cybersecurity in the face of evolving threats.
The establishment of a cyber defense alliance highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity. By joining forces, Japan, the United States, and the Philippines aim to bolster their defenses and mitigate the risk of cyberattacks.
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