Earlier today (20th January 2020), Mitsubishi Electric Corp announced that it had been the target of a series of cyberattacks that has led to information regarding Government agencies and other business partners being compromised.
Mitsubishi Electric is an integral asset in Japan’s defense and infrastructure industries. Hence, the cyberattack implies a possible leak of information, such as email exchanges with the Defense Ministry and the Nuclear Regulation Authority. Furthermore, even documents related to projects with private organizations, railway operators, telecommunications and automakers are also at risk.
However, the company has also assured that no highly important data regarding infrastructure operations have been breached. Previously, Mitsubishi had conducted an internal investigation in June 2019 after an irregular activity was noticed on devices located in Japan. The investigation found unauthorized access to the management section at its head office and other departments.
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According to reports, a Chinese hacker group is suspected of attacking Mitsubishi Electrics by gaining unauthorized access to personal computers and services. It is being said that the cyberattack had targetted information related to job applicants and employees of the month alongside sales and technologies as well. Although, it is still a call for caution as even cybersecurity experts in the field are susceptible to cyberterrorism.
Since the attack, Yoshihide Suga (Chief Cabinet Secretary) has mentioned that “no leak of sensitive information regarding defense equipment and electricity” has taken place and also sent outa public apology for the sudden unrest that was caused. Notably, Mitsubishi Electic is a major manufacturer in the field of defense and is accredited with the 3rd largest contract for major defense equipment at the Defense Ministry, according to a discal report of 2018.
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(Via)
