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Infected USBs used by Japan defense forces were procured improperly: report

Asia.Nikkei • September 15, 2026

Procurement procedures for USB devices will be reviewed to prevent a recurrence, GSDF officials said Tuesday in outlining the investigation report. (Photo by Ryota Ogata)

TOKYO -- USB flash drives infected with malware that were used on classified systems of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force were brought in by personnel without going through proper procurement channels, officials said Tuesday while revealing the results of their investigation.

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This article is one source in a clustered incident — the cluster page carries the summary, timeline and every other outlet covering it.

GSDF Member Brings Malware-Infected USB to Headquarters Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) reported that a service member brought a malware-infected USB memory stick into its Middle Army headquarters. The GSDF is currently investigating how the USB stick was obtained, as it had been in use since April 2024 for tasks related to the January 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. The malware was detected in February 2025, raising concerns about the security protocols surrounding personal devices. The GSDF has strict regulations prohibiting the use of personal USB drives, managing officially procured devices through a registry. The incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in the GSDF's cybersecurity measures and device management practices. 3 sources 39

Extracted Entities

Infected USBs used by Japan defense forces were procured improperly: report

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Extracted Entities

Attack Types (1)

Companies (1)

Countries (2)

MITRE ATT&CK (1)