Japan's space agency, JAXA, has been the target of a series of cyberattacks since late last year, according to government officials. Despite these security breaches, sensitive information related to rockets and satellites remains uncompromised. The agency has taken swift action by investigating the extent of the illegal access, shutting down affected networks, and confirming that classified information on operations and national security was not compromised.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi acknowledged the cyberattacks and emphasized the importance of enhancing Japan's cybersecurity capabilities to prevent future incidents. The country has been ramping up its military defenses in response to China's increasing military strength, with a focus on developing counterstrike capabilities. However, experts suggest that Japan may still rely heavily on the United States for certain defense capabilities.
Despite the cyberattacks on JAXA, government officials have stated that there have been no reported leaks of information. Defense Minister Minoru Kihara confirmed that the attacks did not impact the Ministry of Defense directly but emphasized the need for vigilance and close monitoring of the situation. Education and science minister Masahito Moriyama also reassured the public that there was no tangible damage resulting from the cyber incidents.
JAXA is currently collaborating with the government's cybersecurity team to implement additional countermeasures to safeguard its systems and data. The agency plays a crucial role as a key contractor for the Ministry of Defense, highlighting the importance of securing its operations against cyber threats.
