The networks of Japan’s parliament were compromised for more than a month and hackers may have stolen sensitive emails and documents from 480 lawmakers and their staff, according to a Japanese national daily newspaper.
The Asahi Shimbun today reported that the lower house of the Japanese legislature has been compromised by a spearphishing attack. The breach began in July, when a representative opened a malicious email, and continued until late August. The article reports that the attackers had access to documents and email of the Diet’s 480 lower house members and other personnel. The attack appeared to target confidential information on foreign and defense policy. Although investigators have found no evidence that data was stolen or altered, the newspapers sources also said, “the hackers were able to view the data using the stolen ID codes and passwords without leaving any trace of illegal access.”