Last year, Nikkei Asia announced Japan’s intention to strengthen its military cyber defense team by recruiting thousands of new staff. This move might now be explained by a report from the Washington Post that Chinese hackers had obtained “deep, long-term access” to Japanese defense networks. The breach, believed to have been first detected by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) in late 2020, prompted NSA Chief and the head of US Cyber Command, General Paul Nakasone, to travel to Japan with White House deputy national security advisor Matthew Pottinger to notify Japanese officials.
Even after briefings with Japan’s top leadership, including the prime minister, the issue of hacking from China continued for several months, lasting through the conclusion of the Trump administration and extending into early 2021.
Initially, the US Cyber Command offered support to Japan in eradicating the malware from their systems. However, Japan declined the direct help, being hesitant to allow another nation’s military to access their networks. Instead, Japan chose to employ domestic commercial security companies to detect weaknesses, turning to the U.S. merely for advice on the findings of those firms. Eventually, Japan implemented a more vigorous national security plan, allegedly involving the establishment of a new cyber command to provide round-the-clock network surveillance, and the recruitment of up to 4,000 active cybersecurity staff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: cybersecurity
What was the nature of the cybersecurity breach in Japan’s defense networks?
Chinese hackers reportedly had “deep, persistent access” to Japan’s defense networks, a breach first discovered by the U.S. National Security Agency in late 2020.
Who reported the breach to Japanese officials?
General Paul Nakasone, the NSA Chief and Commander of US Cyber Command, along with White House deputy national security advisor Matthew Pottinger, flew to Japan to report the breach.
How did Japan respond to the cybersecurity breach?
Japan chose to handle the breach with domestic commercial security firms to find vulnerabilities, relying on the U.S. for guidance on the findings. They later developed a more robust national security strategy, including a new cyber command and recruiting as many as 4,000 active cybersecurity personnel.
Why did Japan decline the direct assistance offered by US Cyber Command?
Japan reportedly declined the assistance in purging its systems of malware because the country was not comfortable with another nation’s military accessing their systems.
What measures are being taken to strengthen Japan’s cybersecurity?
Japan planned to add thousands of personnel to its military cyber defense unit and adopt a more active national security strategy, which includes constant monitoring of networks and a new cyber command.
