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Cybersecurity Implications of Japan's Economic Security Promotion Act: APT10 Threats and Mitigation Strategies

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Executive Summary

The intersection of economic security and cybersecurity is becoming increasingly significant as nations like Japan implement comprehensive economic security laws. The Economic Security Promotion Act, enacted in May 2022, aims to protect national interests by minimizing vulnerabilities to economic coercion. This report delves into the cybersecurity implications of such economic security measures, highlighting potential threats, relevant threat actors, and mitigation strategies. As economic security laws encompass various sectors, including technology and cybersecurity, understanding these implications is crucial for safeguarding critical infrastructure and sensitive information.

Technical Information

Japan's Economic Security Promotion Act is a legislative measure designed to bolster the nation's economic resilience by addressing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by foreign entities. This law has far-reaching implications for cybersecurity, as it necessitates the protection of critical infrastructure and sensitive data from cyber threats. The act's focus on economic security can lead to increased cyber threats, particularly from state-sponsored actors seeking to undermine these efforts. As nations strengthen their economic security measures, they may become targets for cyber espionage and attacks.

One of the primary cybersecurity concerns related to economic security laws is supply chain security. Stricter regulations on technology imports and exports can impact the cybersecurity of supply chains, making it essential to ensure the integrity and security of technology components. This is particularly relevant in sectors such as telecommunications, energy, and finance, where the compromise of supply chains can have severe consequences.

Data protection and privacy are also critical considerations under economic security laws. With heightened measures, there is an increased focus on protecting sensitive information, necessitating robust cybersecurity frameworks. Organizations must implement comprehensive data protection strategies to safeguard against unauthorized access and data breaches.

Collaboration and information sharing between government and private sectors are encouraged under economic security initiatives. This collaboration can enhance cybersecurity resilience by facilitating threat intelligence sharing and improving overall cybersecurity posture. Public-private partnerships play a crucial role in addressing emerging threats and ensuring a coordinated response to cyber incidents.

Exploitation in the Wild

State-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups are known to exploit economic security measures to conduct cyber espionage. APT10, linked to China, has been identified as a significant threat actor targeting sectors related to economic and technological advancements. These groups employ various tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to achieve their objectives, including spear-phishing, supply chain attacks, and exploiting vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.

APT Groups using this vulnerability

APT10 is a prominent state-sponsored group that has been linked to cyber espionage activities targeting sectors related to economic and technological advancements. This group is known for its sophisticated tactics and persistent efforts to infiltrate networks and exfiltrate sensitive information. The group's activities underscore the importance of understanding the cybersecurity implications of economic security measures and implementing robust defenses to counter these threats.

Affected Product Versions

The specific products and versions affected by the cybersecurity implications of economic security laws are not limited to a single vendor or technology. Instead, the impact is broad, affecting various sectors and technologies that are integral to national infrastructure. Organizations must assess their technology stack and supply chain to identify potential vulnerabilities and implement appropriate security measures.

Workaround and Mitigation

To mitigate the cybersecurity risks associated with economic security laws, organizations should align their cybersecurity policies with national economic security objectives. This alignment ensures comprehensive protection against emerging threats. Implementing rigorous supply chain risk management practices is essential to mitigate risks associated with technology imports and exports. Additionally, fostering public-private partnerships can enhance threat intelligence sharing and improve overall cybersecurity posture.

References

Tokyo Foundation: How Will the Economic Security Law Change Japan's Sci-Tech Landscape? https://www.tokyofoundation.org/research/detail.php?id=943

MITRE ATT&CK Framework: APT10 https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0045/

NIST National Vulnerability Database: NVD https://nvd.nist.gov/

Rescana is here for you

At Rescana, we understand the complexities of navigating the cybersecurity landscape in the context of economic security measures. Our Continuous Threat and Exposure Management (CTEM) platform is designed to help organizations identify and mitigate potential threats, ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure and sensitive information. We are committed to providing our customers with the insights and tools needed to address emerging cybersecurity challenges. If you have any questions about this report or any other issue, please feel free to contact us at ops@rescana.com.

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