Japan’s space agency suffer multiple cyberattacks – ET CISO

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Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, which is Japan’s space agency suffered a series of cyberattacks since last year. However, sensitive information related to rockets and satellites was not breached, even as Tokyo continues to probe and take preventive steps.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi acknowledged that the JAXA has had “a number of” cyberattacks since late last year.

JAXA has investigated the extent of illegal access while shutting down the affected networks and verifying that they did not contain classified information about operations of rockets and satellites and national security, Yoshimasa Hayashi was quoted as saying by the news agency AP.

The Chief Cabinet Secretary has resolved to strengthen Japan’s ability to counter cyberattacks.

Defense minister Minoru Kihara reported that cyberattacks on JAXA have not impacted his ministry, although he is closely monitoring the probe by the key contractor.

Education and Science Minister Masahito Moriyama stated there was no actual damage from the attacks. JAXA is currently collaborating with the government’s cybersecurity team to implement countermeasures.

Education and science minister Masahito Moriyama also told a news conference Friday that he believed there was no actual damage from the cyberattacks.

Meanwhile, officials on Friday said they were not aware of any information leak from the cyberattacks.

Japan has been ramping up its military strength in response to China’s growing threat and is hoping to be able to develop a counterstrike ability. However, Tokyo will continue to need to rely heavily on the United States for launching long-range cruise missiles at targets.