Japan plans to double the number of certified cybersecurity specialists by 2030 to counter growing cyber threats, easing certification renewal processes for professionals.
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| To tackle the shortage of cybersecurity professionals, Japan sets a goal to have 50,000 certified specialists by 2030, with relaxed renewal rules and industry cooperation. Image: CH |
Tokyo, Japan --- May 14, 2025:
The Japanese government has announced plans to double the number of cybersecurity specialists by 2030. With cyberattacks becoming an increasing threat to both domestic companies and government agencies, Japan aims to increase its pool of qualified cybersecurity personnel to 50,000 in the next five years.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) is set to present its final proposal for the measures to an expert panel. As part of this initiative, the government is working to ease the financial burden of maintaining cybersecurity certification. Currently, individuals must renew their Registered Information Security Specialist certification, which was established in 2016. To remain certified, professionals must undertake practical training and meet other requirements, often costing over ¥100,000—a hurdle for many potential candidates.
There are currently around 24,000 certified specialists in Japan, but the country faces a shortfall of 110,000 professionals to meet its cybersecurity needs. To address this, the government plans to relax the renewal requirements starting in fiscal year 2026, including an exemption from the practical training for those actively engaged in relevant corporate work.
Aiming to streamline the recruitment process, the government also intends to compile a professional directory by the end of the fiscal year. This directory will detail the expertise and location preferences of certified specialists, making it easier for companies to match their needs with qualified professionals.
Additionally, from fiscal 2026, companies’ cybersecurity measures will be assessed as part of the eligibility criteria for public subsidies, further incentivizing organizations to invest in robust security strategies.
With the demand for cybersecurity professionals on the rise, Japan's efforts also include strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors, ensuring that the workforce is well-equipped to handle the increasing volume and sophistication of cyber threats.
The government's push comes amid the rising economic damage from cyberattacks, with a related “active cyber defense” bill set to pass during the current Diet session. This legislation is aimed at preemptively addressing severe cyberattacks before they can escalate. The steps reflect Japan’s commitment to becoming a global leader in cybersecurity and safeguarding its digital infrastructure.