Cyberattacks becoming faster with AI: Security firm president

His remarks came after a series of cyberattacks on major Japanese companies, including frozen food maker Nichirei Corp., household goods supplier Askul Corp. and beverage maker Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., which suffered serious disruptions to their corporate activities due to system failures.

Asked about trends in cyberattacks, Miwa said AI-driven attacks have increased in recent months, shortening the time between the discovery of a vulnerability and the launch of an attack.

"Attack programs can be created in the blink of an eye with AI," he said.

Because Japanese companies have historically faced fewer cyberattacks, many lack adequate defenses, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals, Miwa added.

While noting that it is difficult to eliminate points of entry, Miwa stressed the importance of identifying potential attack routes in advance and taking measures to mitigate risks.

"Countermeasures vary greatly depending on a company's size and system configuration," Miwa said.

Attacks with ransomware, a ransom-demanding computer virus, are often launched between late Sunday night and in the early hours of Monday, with data encryption typically completed by early Monday morning, according to Miwa.

"If there is a risk of a major system failure, it is also important to disconnect ordering systems," he said.

He also emphasized the need for companies to work closely with external cybersecurity firms, while acknowledging challenges related to costs and the allocation of responsibility.