Cybersecurity

Japan Cybersecurity

This article is about Japan’s cybersecurity minister, Youshitaka Sakurada, who is embarrassingly uninformed about his own department. Sakurada even made the confession that he does not even use computers and is rather unfamiliar with cybersecurity issues.

He stated that the main role of his job was to read out written replies of bureaucrats without making any mistakes, even this however has not always proven easy for Sakurada. He also provided inappropriate answers when questioned by lawmakers, and he has been labeled as a liability that is able to cause losses to Japan’s economy. This is not the first time that he has brought shame to the Japanese government, using excuses such as he has always instructed his employees and secretaries to do this sort of work for him hence his inexperience. He also did not understand what the function of a USB was either when asked about their usage in nuclear facilities.

He admitted, however, that although he does not use a personal computer he does frequently use a smartphone “many times a day since it is very useful.” The frightening lack of expertise in his corresponding field has caused shock and concern among the opposition party and it has even gained international attention. A lawmaker from the opposition party even stated that “it is incredible that a person who has never used a computer is in charge of cybersecurity policies.” The fact that Mr. Sakurada was able to attain this position brings to question the selection process of other ministers in the Japanese cabinet and just how valid these choices are.

This news comes ahead of concern of possible cyberattacks during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/15/japan-cyber-security-ministernever-used-computer-yoshitaka-sakurada