Japan defence hit by cyber attack

 

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries makes everything from surface-to-air missiles, to warships, and submarines

Japan’s top weapons maker has confirmed it was the victim of a cyber attack reportedly targeting data on missiles, submarines and nuclear power plants.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) said viruses were found on more than 80 of its servers and computers last month.


The government said it was not aware of any leak of sensitive information.

But the defence ministry has demanded MHI carry out a full investigation. Officials were angered after learning of the breach from local media reports.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Japan’s defence minister Yasuo Ichikawa said the cyber attackers had not succeeded in accessing any important information but MHI would be instructed “to undertake a review of their information control systems”.
“The ministry will continue to monitor the problem and conduct investigations if necessary,” Mr Ichikawa added.

All government contractors are obliged to inform ministers promptly of any breach of sensitive or classified information.