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Malware-Infected USB Brought in by GSDF Member

Jen.Jiji • September 15, 2026

Tokyo, Sept. 15 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force said Tuesday that a malware-infected USB memory stick used within the GSDF was brought in by a service member.

The GSDF also said it was unable to determine how the USB stick had been obtained.

In February last year, the GSDF confirmed that malware was detected on a USB memory stick that had been used at its Middle Army headquarters since April 2024.

The USB stick had been registered and used by the headquarters for work related to the January 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake in central Japan.

The GSDF manages officially procured USB drives and other devices using a registry and strictly prohibits members from bringing in personal devices.

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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

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Malware-Infected USB Brought in by GSDF Member

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