{
  "id": 6550629,
  "title": "Ransomware cases in Japan hit new high in first half of 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/ransomware-cases-in-japan-hit-new-high-in-first-half-of-2026",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-10T06:26:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/10/japan/crime-legal/ransomware-attack-record/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the first half of 2026, Japan witnessed a surge in ransomware attacks, reaching the highest level since records began in 2020, according to data from the National Police Agency. A total of 123 cases were confirmed, marking a seven percent increase compared to the same period last year. The damage caused by these attacks is escalating due to increasingly sophisticated methods employed by cybercriminals. Out of the total cases, 31 occurred in major companies. The restoration process often took over a month, and nine cases led to complete business suspensions. Over 60% of the total cases resulted in damage exceeding ¥10 million ($65,000). The National Police Agency detected approximately 13,700 cases of suspicious access per day, representing a 50% increase from the previous year. These cases included attempts by attackers to gauge the vulnerability of their targets' computer systems. Financial losses from online fraud reached ¥175.5 billion in the first half, a 45% increase due to a significant rise in victims being tricked into transferring money via online banking services. While reported cases of phishing, where passwords and personal information are stolen through fraudulent emails, decreased year on year to about 730,000, the issue remains a significant concern. Analysis revealed that 45% of the servers used to send phishing emails were estimated to be located in China, followed by 14% in Japan and 10% in Brazil. The Internet Hotline Center, which collaborates with the National Police Agency, received 68,842 cases of illegal information in the first six months. Out of these, 5,259 were related to online casinos, a category that was added to the center's scope of information sought in September of the previous year. The center requested internet providers to delete or restrict access to 21 cases involving online casinos and a total of 879 cases related to social media posts and advertisements. Additionally, there were 12,516 cases seeking information related to so-called dark part-time jobs, involving potential participation in criminal activities.",
  "summary": "A total of 123 cases of ransomware attacks were confirmed in Japan in January through June, National Police Agency data on cyberthreats showed.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Nippon.com News",
        "title": "Ransomware Cases in Japan Hit Record High in Jan.-June",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/ransomware-cases-in-japan-hit-record-high-in-jan-june",
        "published": "2026-09-10T04:42:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}