Japan to tighten measures against cyberattacks on Tokyo Olympics

TOKYO, June 23 (KUNA) -- Japan is considering tightening its Internet security as cyberattacks are expected to become a serious threat during the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, Kyodo News Agency reported Monday, citing a government source.
The move follows the government's decision that not only measures against terrorism but also measures to deal with cyberattacks will be the key to ensuring safety for the mega sporting event, the source said.
According to the Cabinet Secretariat, the official website of the 2012 London Olympics was hit by cyberattacks a total of about 200 million times.
"For the Tokyo Olympics, the possibility cannot be denied that the number may surge by 1,000 times or even more," the source was quoted as saying. Some people speculate that since many cyberattacks on Japanese websites are believed to originate from China, continued deterioration in bilateral relations may lead to an increase in such attacks.
The Japanese government plans to set up a cybersecurity policy council as early as fiscal 2015, which starts next April. To host a safe and successful Olympics, the government is trying to gather information on online security from the ongoing soccer World Cup finals in Brazil and the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016. (end) mk.mt