The Japanese government has announced an ambitious plan to double the number of certified cybersecurity specialists by 2030. This move is part of a broader effort to combat the increasing cyberattack threats faced by both government agencies and private companies. The initiative aims to grow the workforce to 50,000 specialists by easing certification renewal processes and encouraging greater collaboration between the public and private sectors, reports Japan News.
Currently, Japan has around 24,000 certified professionals but faces a significant shortage of skilled workers in the cybersecurity sector, with a reported gap of 110,000 positions. To address this, the government will relax the Registered Information Security Specialist certification renewal requirements beginning in fiscal year 2026, eliminating the practical training component for those already working in the field.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) is set to present its proposal to an expert panel. In addition, the government plans to create a directory to match specialists with job opportunities in companies, making it easier for firms to find qualified personnel. This effort is in response to the rising economic damage caused by cyberattacks and aims to enhance Japan's cybersecurity posture.
The government is also preparing a new cyber defense bill aimed at preventing large-scale cyberattacks, which is expected to be passed during the current Diet session. These steps reflect Japan’s commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure and addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in this critical field.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
