On September 21, 2011, Hiroko Tabuchi reported for the New York Times on the United States' response to recent cyberattacks on the Japanese defense contractor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ("MHI"). Karen Kelley, an American Embassy spokeswoman, said that “We are concerned by news reports of cyberattacks on select Japanese companies and will continue to monitor the issue." Kelley continued by saying that "For every country, these kinds of intrusions have the potential for long-term negative impact and must be taken seriously. This is why cybersecurity must be a public sector priority in close collaboration with the private sector.”
The article pointed out that US concerns likely stem out of the fact that MHI builds US weapon systems. Specifically, MHI uses US technology to build F-15 fighter jets, Patriot Missile batteries, and air-to-air missiles for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. Japanese Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa said that he had not received reports that any classified information had been compromised.
It is still unclear who is behind the attacks. China has vehemently denied that the attack originated from within its borders. However, The Register recently reported that "software used to breach the security of a Japanese maker of sensitive weapons systems contained simplified Chinese characters, making it difficult for those who don't speak the language to carry out the hack."
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