Japan Hit by Major Cyberattack as Killnet Targets E-Government
Japan has fallen victim to a major cyberattack, with the Russia-affiliated hacktivist group Killnet claiming responsibility. The group, known for its recent attacks on European countries, has now targeted Japan's e-government and other online services. The attack comes amidst a global surge in cyber threats, with a 42% increase reported in the first half of 2023.
Killnet's motivation behind the attack is believed to be Japan's support for Ukraine and the ongoing Kuril Islands dispute. The group has previously targeted countries that align with the West, including Italy, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, and Norway. The attack on Japan was carried out using Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which overwhelm websites with traffic, making them inaccessible.
Security experts have warned that organizations in targeted countries must remain vigilant. They recommend adopting a prevention-first cybersecurity strategy, which includes preparing offline backups of critical information and segmenting corporate networks. This can help reduce the likelihood of such attacks and mitigate their impact.
Killnet has announced plans to target NATO and South Korea in the future. As cyber threats continue to rise, with state-sponsored hacking groups becoming increasingly active, organizations worldwide must prioritize robust cybersecurity measures. The recent attack on Japan serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive cyber defense.
