Japan’s Defence Networks Compromised by Chinese Military Hackers
Japan’s defence networks have been infiltrated by Chinese military hackers, according to reports from the Washington Post. The People’s Liberation Army’s cyberspies gained “deep, persistent access” to Japan’s most sensitive computer systems.
The breach was discovered by the National Security Agency in late 2020, prompting a visit from General Paul Nakasone, Chief of US Cyber Command, and Matthew Pottinger, the White House deputy national security advisor. During a meeting with Japanese officials, it was revealed that Beijing had successfully infiltrated Tokyo’s defence networks, resulting in one of the most destructive hacks in the country’s recent history. Japanese officials expressed surprise at the news but promised to thoroughly investigate the matter.
Initially, the US Cyber Command offered assistance to Japan in removing malware from its systems. However, Japan declined the offer due to concerns about another nation’s military accessing their networks. Instead, they opted to hire domestic commercial security firms to identify vulnerabilities, seeking guidance from the US on the findings. Over time, Japan has developed a more proactive national security strategy, including the establishment of a new cyber command and the employment of up to 4,000 cybersecurity personnel to monitor networks around the clock.
When questioned about the Washington Post’s report, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stated during a press conference that they cannot confirm if any security information has been leaked. Matsuno emphasized the close communication between Japan and the United States at various levels and assured the public that there is no evidence of security information being compromised due to cyber attacks. He highlighted the importance of cyber security in maintaining the Japan-U.S. alliance and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to keeping its network secure and stable.