USB Drives Containing Chinese Virus; Japan Launches Nationwide Survey of Municipalities

(CNA Tokyo, July 2) -- Following the revelation that classified systems within Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) had used USB drives infected with a virus of Chinese origin, the Japanese government has announced a comprehensive nationwide survey of local municipalities regarding their use of USB drives. The investigation aims to assess the implementation of information security management in various agencies and prevent similar incidents from recurring.

According to TBS, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated at a press conference that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is preparing to conduct a survey on the use of USB drives by all local governments nationwide to understand the risks of cyberattacks stemming from the use of USB devices. He mentioned that the government issued a notification to all local governments on June 26, requesting confirmation of the current status of USB usage and urging them to review relevant management measures.

Hayashi said, "All types of information systems and equipment, including USB drives, must be used properly, and measures to prevent supply chain risks must be strengthened." He also emphasized that the government will provide necessary support to assist local governments in adopting appropriate cybersecurity measures.

This nationwide survey stems from a recent cybersecurity incident involving the GSDF. According to the "Nikkei," the GSDF had been using USB drives infected with a virus of Chinese origin on terminals within systems handling classified information for nearly a year, until February 2025. Following the exposure of the incident, the Ministry of Defense immediately launched an investigation.

Minister of Defense Minoru Kihara stated previously that investigations confirmed the virus did not have the capability to steal data or communicate with external servers, nor was there any evidence of the virus spreading to systems connected to the USB drives. Therefore, it was currently assessed that there was no substantial impact on the GSDF's information systems.

However, Kihara admitted that GSDF personnel did not follow internal regulations to scan for viruses and confirm security before using USB drives, calling it a "quite serious problem." The Ministry of Defense has since instructed all units to thoroughly implement USB virus scanning and information security management to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

It is understood that these USB drives were registered and put into use during the relief efforts for the Noto Peninsula earthquake. The Ministry of Defense is currently continuing to investigate their procurement sources and circulation process. (Editor: Tang Shengyh) 1150702

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