On 20 April, 200 Japanese companies, research organizations, and space agencies faced a cyberattack. JapanTimes reports that investigation reveals that China’s military instructed a hacker group to conduct cyberattacks on nearly 200 companies and research institutes in Japan, including the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
As per the report, the series of hacks were conducted by “Tick,” a Chinese cyberespionage group, under the direction of China’s People’s Liberation Army. Unit 61419, located in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao, Shandong Province, is said to be responsible for cyberattacks on Japan and South Korea.
Japan Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said: “Police have forwarded the case involving attacks on the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to prosecutors for further investigation.”
Kato also said: “The involvement of China’s People’s Liberation Army is highly likely.” As of now, no actual data leak or damage has been found.
The allegations, the latest in a series of similar incidents, come amid increasingly difficult relations between Japan and China. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson has denied the allegation.
Aayush Pal 
Balaji Subramanian 
Palak Dogra