Hackers have infiltrated the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), compromising the accounts of several high-ranking officials, including President Hiroshi Yamakawa.
This alarming incident is part of a series of cyberattacks targeting JAXA since June 2023, raising concerns about the security of sensitive information related to space exploration and national security.
Multiple Attacks Target High-Level Officials
According to the Asahi Shimbun report, JAXA has been the target of relentless cyberattacks, with four major incidents reported since mid-2023.
In the first attack, personal data belonging to about 5,000 employees was stolen, affecting nearly everyone in the agency’s network.
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An internal investigation revealed that hackers took control of approximately 200 accounts, including those of five directors on JAXA’s nine-member board.
The targeted accounts belonged to senior officials involved in policy issues and budget affairs, indicating a strategic attempt to access confidential negotiations and planning information.
Compromised Cloud Services and Leaked Files
The breach investigation uncovered that Microsoft Corp.’s cloud service, Microsoft 365, was compromised during the June 2023 cyberattack.
Over 10,000 files stored on the platform could have been leaked, with more than 1,000 files provided by external parties under non-disclosure agreements.
These files included sensitive information from over 40 companies and organizations, such as NASA, the European Space Agency, Toyota Motor Corp., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., and Japan’s Defense Agency.
The leaked documents primarily belonged to JAXA’s Strategic Planning and Management Department, Space Exploration Center, and Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate.
Impact on International Collaborations
Despite the severity of these breaches, JAXA has stated that there have been no reports of significant disruptions to operations or collaborations with domestic and international partners.
However, the agency acknowledges the potential damage to trust and is committed to enhancing its cybersecurity measures.
The leaked files included crucial data on international projects, such as NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration program and Toyota’s development of a manned lunar rover.
As investigations continue, JAXA remains focused on safeguarding its systems to prevent future incidents and maintain its collaborative efforts in space exploration.
This series of cyberattacks highlights the growing threat to global aerospace agencies and underscores the need for robust cybersecurity strategies to protect sensitive information in an increasingly interconnected world.
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