Quiet Invaders: The Digital Ghosts Consuming Japan

Quiet Invaders: The Digital Ghosts Consuming Japan

Zombie networks remotely control malware-infected PCs and IoT devices for DDoS attacks, stealing personal information, and sending spam. Damage is severe in Japan, with the National Police Agency arresting over 1,900 cases of unauthorized access in 2020, and companies reporting losses ranging from tens to hundreds of millions of yen. The impact of malware such as Emotet and Mirai was particularly large, causing educational institutions, local governments, and companies to suspend operations and lose trust. Attackers are operating botnets on the dark web, earning significant revenue through DDoS agents and information trafficking. Although the government is promoting countermeasures such as the "NOTICE" vulnerability survey of IoT devices, the number of victims is still on the rise, and it is essential for companies and individuals to strengthen their awareness and defense systems. The entire society must respond to this "invisible invasion" that is quietly advancing.