Joint Statement of the U S -Japan Cyber Defense Policy Working Group May 30 2015 Recalling the shared commitment of the defense ministers of Japan and the United States to further promoting cyber cooperation between the Japanese Ministry of Defense MOD and the U S Department of Defense DOD and the establishment of the U S -Japan Cyber Defense Policy Working Group CDPWG in October 2013 Welcoming the increasing regularity and deepening discussion of our bilateral cyber engagement through three meetings of the CDPWG so far and Cognizant of the clear guidance on the priority and nature of bilateral cooperation in cyberspace in the 2015 Guidelines for Japan-U S Defense Cooperation The MOD and DOD shared the following views Threat environment In cyberspace rapid innovation has contributed to the growth and productivity of our economies and the free flow of information among peoples worldwide Such innovation and economic integration also introduces new risks in the form of increasing dependence on information systems and software vulnerabilities Furthermore we note a growing level of sophistication among malicious cyber actors including non-state and state-sponsored actors who are increasingly willing to demonstrate their intent and ability to do harm against information systems critical infrastructure and services upon which our people economies governments and defense forces rely Cooperation in response to a serious cyber incident Recognizing that cyberspace has a growing role in ensuring the national security of both Japan and the United States and mindful of our long-standing defense relationship the MOD and DOD shared the view that in the event of a serious cyber incident that threatens the security of either of our nations including if such a cyber incident occurs as a part of an armed attack against Japan the MOD and DOD will consult closely and take appropriate cooperative actions In particular the DOD will consult with the MOD and support Japan via all available channels as appropriate Roles and missions The MOD and DOD have cooperated on information assurance defensive cyberspace operations and information security and have been building a common understanding of their respective missions in cyberspace based on each country’s constitution and laws as well as relevant international law The MOD and DOD shared views regarding the necessity for continuous implementation of appropriate staffing and resourcing levels based on analysis of their respective missions in cyberspace The MOD and DOD intend to explore options for enhanced operational cooperation between cyber units The MOD intends to continue to work closely with other relevant government agencies in order to contribute to the whole-of-government efforts for addressing various cyber threats including those against Japanese critical infrastructure and services utilized by the Japan Self-Defense Forces JSDF and U S Forces Japan USFJ Information sharing Timely and routine information sharing is critical to improving our joint response to a serious cyber incident The MOD and DOD are already using and refining existing channels to share cyber threat and vulnerability information and best practices The sharing of information will include best practices on military training and exercises education and workforce development this may include site visits and joint training and exercises as appropriate The MOD and DOD in cooperation with other relevant government agencies are to explore how to improve cyber information sharing through various channels in a crisis environment and work toward timely routine two-way information sharing and the development of common cyber threat indicators and warning Both sides also recognize that information and operational security are crucial to facilitating the smooth flow of sensitive information between one another in order to best support the Alliance and its activities The MOD and DOD also recognize the need to build cyber information sharing relationships with other partners Critical infrastructure protection concerning cybersecurity for mission assurance The MOD and DOD will ensure the resiliency of their respective networks and systems to achieve mission assurance The MOD and DOD mindful of whole-of-government efforts and in cooperation with other relevant government agencies also intend to explore ways to strengthen cybersecurity for mission assurance and share best practices in mission assurance and critical infrastructure protection