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. Meanwhile, an investigation report released by the GSDF Tuesday did not clarify why the USB stick in question had been listed in the registry. The GSDF also said in the report that it was unable to verify the circumstances under which the USB stick had been obtained despite interviewing relevant personnel. To prevent a recurrence of such incidents, the GSDF said that it will take thorough measures, including comprehensive virus checks. “It’s highly regrettable that the relevant regulations were not complied with. We will make every effort to prevent a recurrence,” GSDF Chief of Staff Gen. Masayoshi Arai said at a regular press conference. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
