Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has reported a cyberattack that temporarily disrupted its website during the commencement of the general election campaign. The attack occurred on Tuesday, coinciding with the start of a crucial 12-day campaign period for the House of Representatives, which plays a significant role in Japan’s parliamentary system. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiko Aoki confirmed that the country’s cyber agencies are investigating the incident and have implemented relevant security measures to address the threat.
The cyberattack was identified as a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) assault, and local media reports indicate that other state entities, including various local government websites, were also targeted on the same day. Some of these websites were reportedly taken offline, reflecting the widespread impact of the attack. Pro-Russian hacker groups, including NoName057(16) and the Cyber Army of Russia, have claimed responsibility for the attacks, asserting that they were aimed at Japanese organizations in retaliation for an upcoming joint military exercise involving Japan and the United States.
These pro-Russian threat actors issued statements framing their actions as a response to what they termed “Russophobic” actions by Japan, explicitly warning that any measures taken against Russia could have serious consequences. Their declarations suggest that the DDoS attacks were intended not only to disrupt services but also to send a political message. The timing of the attacks, coinciding with a critical election period, raises concerns about the potential impact on the electoral process and public confidence in the government.
In light of these developments, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Aoki emphasized that any actions undermining fair elections will not be tolerated by any organization, group, or individual in Japan. The government remains vigilant in safeguarding the integrity of its democratic processes, especially in an era marked by increasing cyber threats and geopolitical tensions. As investigations continue, Japan’s commitment to enhancing its cybersecurity measures and protecting its institutions from external threats remains a top priority.
