Japan’s premier cybersecurity agency, the National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC), tasked with shielding the nation from cyber threats, has ironically fallen victim to a cyberattack.
The Suspected Chinese Connection
According to the Financial Times, there are suspicions surrounding the involvement of the Chinese military in a significant security breach. This breach allowed hackers to gain unauthorized access to the NISC’s system for an alarming duration of up to nine months.
On August 4, 2023, the NISC officially disclosed an unsettling security lapse which exposed numerous email communications to external entities. Investigations indicate the hacking activities may have started as early as October 2022. However, initial signs of this intrusion went unnoticed until mid-June of this year.
In a subsequent announcement on August 8, 2023, NISC issued a warning regarding potential “suspicious phone calls and emails.” The modus operandi involves impostors claiming to be NISC representatives, likely with the intent to deceive individuals into divulging personal information, credentials, or engaging with harmful content.
Japan’s Response: Strengthening Cybersecurity
While the official stance from the Japanese government does not directly implicate China’s People’s Liberation Army in the cyberattack, sources cited by the Financial Times – both from the government and private sectors – suggest a connection.
In response to escalating cyber threats, Japan announced an ambitious plan to increase its cybersecurity budget tenfold over the next half-decade. Furthermore, plans to expand its military cybersecurity personnel to 4,000 are underway.
Yet, with these assertive measures, questions loom about Japan’s capability to satisfy concerns from its Western counterparts regarding its cybersecurity resilience. Particularly, there’s growing apprehension surrounding the sharing of sensitive data with Japan, especially in light of revelations about state-backed Chinese hackers’ deep penetration into Tokyo’s defense infrastructures.
In light of these recent cyberattack’s on Japan’s National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC), the pressing need for a comprehensive and holistic approach to cybersecurity becomes undeniable.
Addressing the Human Factor in Cybersecurity
The concern in the cybersecurity realm isn’t just about firewalls, encryption, or multi-factor authentication. The real challenge? The human element. As recent events underscore, even the most protected institutions can fall prey to breaches when human vulnerabilities are exploited.
OutThink, by focusing on Cybersecurity Human Risk Management, transforms the conventional approach. We recognize that Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) can only fortify a company’s digital assets when the entire workforce is informed and aligned with cybersecurity practices.
OutThink’s platform is designed with the knowledge that a whopping 85% to 95% of security breaches are attributed to human error. With a staggering 90% of cyberattacks being initiated through phishing schemes, it becomes imperative to address the human factor.
Flavius Plesu, CEO of OutThink said, “Our aim isn’t just about plugging security gaps; it’s about fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness. By empowering CISOs and those who undertake such roles, to preemptively tackle and neutralize threats, OutThink presents a comprehensive solution in an era where cyber adversaries are more present than ever.
As threats multiply, OutThink stands committed to being a game-changer. It’s not just about defense – it’s about proactively making a change in the way we perceive and respond to cyber threats.”
Protect Your Business with OutThink
The cost of complacency can be astronomical. Enterprise businesses like yours are not just guarding data, but trust, reputation, and growth. With threats evolving, isn’t it time your approach to cybersecurity evolved too?
OutThink’s platform is more than a solution—it’s a strategic ally in fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Don’t leave the safety of your enterprise to chance. Reach out to us today to protect your business so that it remains one step ahead of the threats.
