Malware-Infected USB Drives Compromise Japan's Self-Defense Forces

• •Counterfeit USB drives with malware linked to China were used by Japan's Self-Defense Forces.
• •The drives were connected to over 50 computers, some handling classified information.
• •Malware went undetected for nearly a year due to inadequate antivirus scanning protocols.

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force unknowingly used counterfeit USB drives embedded with malware linked to Chinese hackers for nearly a year. The incident came to light after personnel noticed abnormal computer performance in February 2025. Investigations revealed that six out of eight tested USB drives contained the same malicious software. These drives were connected to over 50 computers, many of which accessed sensitive command information. The counterfeit drives were procured during disaster relief operations in March 2024 and were found to have significantly lower storage capacity than advertised. The malware was not detected due to antivirus software not scanning USB drives at the time. The incident raises serious concerns about cybersecurity protocols within Japan's defense infrastructure.