With discussion on new security legislation being undertaken after two Japanese hostages were killed by the Islamic State group, a former official of the U.S. National Security Agency said Japan needs to build up intelligence, not just to respond to terrorism but to protect Japan Inc.

Bruce McIndoe, CEO for intelligence-driven risk management consultancy iJet International Inc., said in a recent interview in Tokyo that the government urgently needs to strengthen its security infrastructure to help Japanese firms run safely on a global basis and help the economy gain steam amid a shrinking population and domestic market

But Tokyo isn't doing enough to that end, according to McIndoe.