Hackers claimed to have published customer data from GMO Internet Group Inc. after the company refused a $50 million ransom demand, escalating a wave of cyberattacks in Japan. GMO suspended its trading services on Oct. 21 and paused new subscriptions, warning all Onamae.com users could be affected after cloud servers were compromised. The company sought government help to disrupt the attack source, while Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama confirmed five foreign exchange firms reported impacted customers. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ordered emergency measures by next week, with the ruling LDP calling the situation "the eve of a cyber emergency." GMO shares tumbled the most since 2011.
Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa announced free cybersecurity consultations for smaller firms. SBI FX Trade President Marito Ueda noted active FX traders remain despite dormant account closures, but warned contagion to equities would be harder to contain. Authorities fear AI-driven "cyber saturation attacks" could exploit vulnerabilities automatically.
Source: Bloomberg Markets · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing