[Provisional Translation]
Osamu Fujimura
Chief Cabinet Secretary
Chair, Information Security Policy Council

Through developments in information and communications technology (ICT), we have reaped enormous economic benefits and enjoyed convenient lifestyles, while on the other hand, information security threats are becoming daily occurrences. Against this backdrop, a company which handles Japan's sensitive information has become a target of a cyber attack and was infected with a fraudulent program.

Cyber attacks, depending on their damage, are capable of jeopardizing the country's security as well as the livelihood of the people. The Government and key infrastructure-related organizations will be further enhancing the information security measures which have been promoted to date. For companies which handle Japan's sensitive information and are deeply intertwined with the country's security, I ask that efforts are made to further strengthen the companies' information security in light of this recent experience.

Information sharing at an early stage is particularly critical to ensure information security. The Government, for example, will be strengthening public-private partnerships through two-way information sharing between the Government and the private sector, and in this endeavor I ask for the understanding and cooperation of everyone concerned.

Information security risks include of course the risk of becoming a victim of cyber attacks. However, they also include the risk of unintentionally becoming a victimizer due to infection with a fraudulent program. Taking information security measures is thus now a social obligation.

For companies and other organizations, it is imperative that they install systems which are effective against cyber attacks and take steps to enhance the information security awareness of each and every staff. Even if companies and organizations become infected, measures will need to be implemented in order to minimize the damage. For all the people, I urge that everyone consistently has the latest security software for their computers, smartphones, and other devices, among taking other measures.

Ensuring information security is becoming indispensable to the realization of a safe and secure livelihood for the people and the continuous growth in the context of international competition. We will endeavor to realize the world's foremost information security system through public-private partnerships.