January 30, 2026 The MIC's Initiatives during Cybersecurity Month

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will undertake initiatives to promote cybersecurity measures during Cybersecurity Month, from February 1 to March 18.

Note: The published materials are in Japanese only.

1. Implementation of Cybersecurity Month Initiatives

　The government designates the period from February 1 to March 18 every year as Cybersecurity Month ^{(Note 1)}, during which cybersecurity initiatives are implemented intensively. As part of this effort, the MIC will also implement various initiatives in cooperation with related organizations during this period, including before and after Cybersecurity Month.

(Note 1) For information on Cybersecurity Month, visit the following URL:
    https://security-portal.cyber.go.jp/cybersecuritymonth/2026/

2. The MIC’s Initiatives

(1) Organizing seminars and other events

　Each Regional Bureau of Telecommunications and the Okinawa Office of Telecommunications will play a central role in organizing cybersecurity-related seminars and other events at various locations throughout Japan.

(2) Provision of an online course

　Starting from Monday, February 2, 2026, a free online course "Learn Wi-Fi Security Measures Now" ^{(Note 2)} will be offered. In the online course, participants can learn basic Wi-Fi security measures.

(Note 2) This course delivers video content on gacco, a large-scale public online course platform operated by DOCOMO gacco, Inc. Participation in this course requires both member and participation registrations. Complete these registrations on the course introduction website. (Existing members need only register for the course.)

(3) Sending of alerts

　Network camera video may be leaked, or Internet-connected video streaming devices could be used in cyberattacks. The MIC will inform the public of their risks and introduce countermeasures through its X (formerly Twitter) account.

　In the event of image leaks from network cameras, the MIC will also alert the public through the NOTICE project (Note 3).

(Note 3) The NOTICE project aims to prevent cyberattacks and their damage by strengthening security measures for IoT devices. The project is implemented through collaboration of the MIC, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), ICT-ISAC, internet service providers (ISPs), IoT device manufacturers, system integrators, and industry organizations. NOTICE provides public information on how to safely manage IoT devices and alerts managers and users of potentially dangerous IoT devices.

(4) Commendations

　The MIC commends individuals and organizations that have made outstanding achievements in the field of cybersecurity responses with the "Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications' Award for Cybersecurity Encouragement."

(5) Publication of the e-seal logo certified by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications

　The MIC is promoting the widespread adoption of highly reliable e-seal services through the Minister's e-seal (Note 4) certification system. The system is scheduled for full implementation this fiscal year. During Cybersecurity Month, the logo available to operators that are certified by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications will be published. The publication of the logo will allow users to easily identify e-seal services offered by certified providers, thereby further enhancing the reliability of electronic data and promoting the development of a safe and secure digital transaction environment.

(Note 4) The e-seal certifies the authenticity of the issuer of electronic documents and data and that the documents and data have not been tampered with. This is an important mechanism that helps ensure cybersecurity as a foundation supporting trust in the digital society.

3. Initiatives by related organizations

　In response to the latest cases of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, cyberattack response exercises will be conducted at the ICT-ISAC(Note 5). In these exercises, telecommunications carriers and other operators will collaborate.

(Note 5) A general incorporated association certified by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications as a "Certified Association for Countermeasures against Transmission-Type Cyberattacks on Telecommunications Facilities" as defined in the Telecommunications Business Act.