Official statements from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or media reports

Japan Links 210 Cyberattacks Since 2019 to Chinese Hacking Group

Jan 8, 2025, 06:35 AM

The Japanese National Police Agency (NPA) and the Cybersecurity Center of the Cabinet Office have linked 210 cyberattacks from 2019 to 2024 to a Chinese hacking group known as 'MirrorFace.' These attacks targeted government agencies, including the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), as well as private companies and think tanks. The attacks aimed to steal sensitive information related to national security and advanced technology. The hacking group employed methods such as malware-laden emails and exploiting VPN vulnerabilities. The NPA has urged organizations to enhance their cybersecurity measures to prevent further breaches. The involvement of another group, 'Earth Kasha,' is also suspected. Despite the scale of the attacks, major information leaks have not been confirmed, although some personal data breaches at JAXA have been reported.