The country wants the capability to defend itself in case of cyberattacks

Sep 11, 2012 08:33 GMT  ·  By

Japan now has a “fifth field of military operations,” besides space, air, sea and ground: cyberspace. The country’s Ministry of Defense has revealed its plans to create a special cyber defense unit whose main goal will be to fend off cyberattacks.

According to the Daily Yomiuri, the unit will be established by 2013 and it will comprise around 100 members.

The country has developed a set of cyberattack guidelines that give it the right to defend itself in case an armed strike is accompanied by one from cyberspace. The government wants to enhance its capabilities by cooperating with the local private sector and the international community.

The new unit will take over some of the tasks currently performed by existing forces, one of its goals being the analysis of computer viruses.