Cyberattacks on Corporations Increase

Cyberattacks on Japanese corporations are increasing these months. Personal information was stolen in these cases, causing concern on false use for opening a bank account or establishing contract of loan. It is supposed that development of artificial intelligence enabled finding vulnerability of systems. The government of Japan warned private companies to take measures. 

Times Car, a company of car sharing service, announced that it received wrong access to its system and personal data of its 6 million customers was stolen. The stolen information included photo image of driver’s license, which can be falsely used for opening a bank account. Some of the customers whose data was stolen are preparing for a lawsuit to demand compensation for psychological damage.

 

The consecutive cyberattacks have been made on various businesses, including railroad company, restaurants, rental book shop or convenience stores. JR East lost personal data of 6.09 million customers from its seat reservation system. Another attack on the Monogartari Corporation drew information of 10 million customers of a BBQ restaurant chain, Yakiniku King. The hackers are supposed to have obtained name, birth date, email address and telephone number.

 

Those cyberattacks increased in July. Anthropic developed AI called Claude Mythos in April, which can discover vulnerability in systems. While users of Claude Mythos need license to operate it, other developers released alternative system to it for free. The systems in companies are attacked by those advanced AI. It is not unusual that multiple vulnerabilities in the system of corporations are discovered by those AI and a large amount of personal data was stolen.

 

National Cybersecurity Office issued a warning for private companies which deal with sensitive information to take measures against cyberattacks. It includes proper control of web system, recommending updating applications, deleting used information or encrypting of reserved data. The office recommends protective measures by supply chain as a whole.

 

Other offices of the government are taking further defending measures against cyberattacks. Financial Services Agency instructed private banks and security firms to doublecheck their system to protect clients’ personal information, recommending them to change the system of identification for opening new account from using photo ID to IC chip. Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry also warned corporations to enhance cyber security. Ministry of Foreign Affairs raises security level on sensitive information which can be shared with likeminded countries.

 

However, Japan is not categorized as a country with strict standard for protecting information. While some Western countries are introducing stronger regulation on AI, Japanese government is still focusing on how to take advantage of AI technology for further economic growth. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hopes Japan to be the most AI friendly country. It is still unsure that Japan can catch up the front runners.

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