[Kyodo News, June 21]It was learned on the 21st that the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) was attacked multiple times from last year to this year. According to relevant sources, the attacks may have come from hackers related to China. A large number of files were browsed, which may also include information of external companies and institutions that have signed confidentiality agreements.

JAXA said, “The details are under investigation. (The illegally accessed network) does not include sensitive information related to rocket and satellite operations and security.”

According to relevant sources, the server attacked in June last year probably stored personal information of JAXA employees, and hackers used this information to illegally access highly confidential files. According to analysis, the cyber attack may have taken advantage of the weak link of VPN (virtual private network) that accesses the internal network from the outside. The damage has been investigated, but it has been attacked again this year.

Regarding JAXA, it was also the target of cyber attacks in 2016 and 2017 that were possibly carried out by China in an attempt to steal information. (End)