## (5) Information Security Measures

As the dependence on IT for socio-economic activities in general continues to grow, various cyber attacks are becoming more prevalent such as email attacks targeted toward government institutions, increasing the importance of initiatives for information security measures. In accordance with the policy of the “Information Security Policy Committee”, security policies are being promoted for major infrastructure (rail, air, logistics) with measures to prevent information leaks, creation of guidelines for MLIT information security measures and prevent the disruption of operations due to IT outages.

Also, efforts are being made for implementing an initial response system and preventing the spread of damages in the event of a cyber attack against MLIT and businesses under its jurisdiction.

## 2 Establishing a Response System for Accident Disasters

When accident disasters such as accidents involving multiple fatalities occur on rail, air, etc. or ships are involved in oil spill accidents, the disaster conditions are assessed an a disaster measures headquarters is established within MLIT (for especially large-scale accident disasters in the field of transport the government will establish an emergency disaster headquarters, etc.) to collect and aggregate information and comprehensively coordinate with relevant government organizations and other parties for urgent disaster measures to ensure that swift and appropriate disaster measures are implemented.

For accident disasters at sea, coordination with relevant organizations is being furthered such as ensuring a dispatch system for patrol boats and aircraft and readying disaster mitigation equipment in addition to implementing joint training. Also, for pollution accidents involving oil or hazardous Noxious Substances, response equipment is being improved to strengthen the system for a swift and effective response and environmental protection information on coastal waters needed to contain oil, etc., is being compiled and provided.

## 3 Strengthening the Coast Guard System

## (1) Improving and Strengthening the Operational System

In the waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands, Chinese government vessels are persistently violating territorial waters adding to continued tension. The Japan Coast Guard is developing 1,000 ton patrol boats equipment with monitoring ability and suppression capability to establish a full-time patrol system for the Senkaku territorial waters equivalent to 14 large-scale patrol vessels, developing docking facilities to provide base functions for patrol vessels in Ishigaki Port, and strengthening operation and command functions for the swift and appropriate sharing and dissemination of information between headquarters, district headquarters, and patrol vessels along with the assignment of new personnel to patrol vessels. Also, to ensure a system that can appropriately respond to further changes in the situation, six more large-scale patrol vessels will begin development.

## (2) Promoting Counter-Terrorism Measures

To prevent terrorism, the Japan Coast Guard patrols around facilities that are at risk, such as coastal nuclear power plants and petrochemical complexes as well as U.S. Armed Forces facilities by patrol vessels and aircrafts. Also, during peak travel periods, special security is conducted at passenger ship terminals where many people are concentrated.

In order to prevent terrorism proactivity, it is important to tie with not only relevant agencies but the private sector as well. The Japan Coast Guard encourages those who work at maritime industry to take self-security measures completely and conducts cooperation with regional communities by getting information on suspicious activities from them.