South Korean and Japanese companies enhance cyber defenses amid AI threats

Japanese companies: Japanese companies include major financial, telecommunications, retail, and convenience-store businesses operating in Japan. They are relevant because firms such as Daiwa Securities, SoftBank, and Lawson have faced a recent surge in cyber incidents, increasing pressure to improve cyber defenses. South Korean companies: South Korean companies are businesses operating across sectors including banking, telecommunications, manufacturing, and retail. They are relevant because several South Korean banks are investigating recent cyberattacks that may have involved artificial-intelligence tools, prompting companies to strengthen security controls and testing. Japan response: Japanese cybersecurity experts have urged organizations to reduce potential damage by reviewing the types and retention periods of personal information held on corporate websites. Threat landscape: Cybersecurity specialists say AI can automate vulnerability scanning and phishing, making attacks faster, cheaper, and more accessible to people with limited technical expertise. Regional response: South Korean financial authorities have emphasized stronger security controls and more rigorous testing as AI-assisted cyber threats evolve.