[Japanese Financial Services Agency Releases Draft Guidelines for Strengthening Cybersecurity for Crypto Exchanges and Opens Public Consultation] According to Coinpost, the Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA) has released the 'Draft Guidelines for Strengthening Cybersecurity for Crypto Exchanges' and has begun a public consultation process, with a deadline of March 11. The draft highlights that cyberattacks targeting crypto asset exchanges are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with a rise in indirect attack methods such as social engineering and breaches via outsourced service providers. Relying solely on cold wallets is no longer sufficient to ensure security, and there is a need to strengthen security management across the entire supply chain. The draft also mentions suspected state-sponsored attacks, emphasizing the importance of asset protection from the perspective of safeguarding national wealth. The plan is based on three pillars: 'self-help, mutual assistance, and public assistance.' For self-help, starting from the 2026 fiscal year, the crypto exchange industry will be required to conduct cybersecurity self-assessments and enhance security standards. For mutual assistance, the functions of industry self-regulatory organizations will be strengthened, and companies will be encouraged to participate in information-sharing organizations. For public assistance, international joint research will continue, with plans to involve the entire industry in cybersecurity exercises within three years and to conduct real-world penetration testing on selected operators by 2026.