Cyberattack-hit GMO says hacker threatens to disclose customer info at noon
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese internet service provider GMO Internet Group Inc. said late Monday that a hacker claiming to have launched an unauthorized i
Japanese internet service provider GMO Internet Group Inc. reported on Monday that a hacker claimed responsibility for an unauthorized intrusion affecting its foreign exchange trading service. The hacker threatened to disclose customer information and launch a ransomware attack at noon. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama urged financial institutions to implement measures to protect against potential cyberattacks, noting that several foreign exchange trading firms using GMO's server service, such as OANDA Japan Inc., were impacted.
GMO instructed users to back up data and disconnect their computers with the deadline for the hacker's threat approaching. The company initiated an investigation into the devices of customers who agreed to cooperate, aiming to determine the extent of the unauthorized access, including the presence of malware. Once countermeasures are identified, GMO will notify service users individually via email.
The hacker demanded $50 million in cryptocurrency, which GMO, led by CEO Masatoshi Kumagai, declared it would not pay, as deletion of the information and prevention of its misuse could not be assured. Five foreign exchange trading firms, including Goldenway Japan Co. and Ava Trade Japan K.K., have informed the Financial Services Agency of customers affected by the GMO cyberattack.
Katayama emphasized that the government will respond with urgency, as there is a possibility of further unauthorized transactions.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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