#Japan #Cybersecurity #Tokyo #Data Breach #Ransomware

Understanding Ransomware and Preventive Measures

Hello, I'm Ishida from the Digital Forensics Department. In recent times, there has been a spike in data breach incidents across the nation. This article will discuss the latest trends in data leaks for 2025 and present effective strategies to safeguard your organization.

The Rising Threat of Data Breaches

It’s possible that your company's information could be leaked without your knowledge. Are you under the impression that you have adequate security measures in place, or that only large corporations are targeted? In reality, recent data breach incidents have increasingly involved small and medium-sized enterprises. Moreover, many attacks occur quietly from within the organization itself.

Why Are Data Breaches Continually Happening?

1. Internal Misconduct: Incidents caused by employees or associates.
2. Human Errors: Mistakes such as misdirected emails or lost USB drives.
3. Exploitation of Vulnerabilities: Attacks targeting outdated VPNs or unpatched PCs.

These everyday oversights create vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.

Case Studies: Real Data Breach Incidents

Incident 1: Automate Kiken Co., Ltd.

• - Affected Group: Individuals who participated in past events, students.
• - Data Leaked:

- Company or school name
- Department or major
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address

Comments: This incident targeted outdated VPN equipment. Many attacks exploit vulnerabilities in old firmware or lack of security patches, emphasizing the importance of keeping systems updated.

Incident 2: Utsunomiya Central Clinic

• - Affected Data: Personal information of medical staff and patients stored on servers.
• - Data Details:

- Names
- Birth dates
- Gender
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Emails
- Medical and health examination information

Comments: Investigation into the cause is ongoing, but it appears there may have been a security weak point in one of the devices leading to server access.

The Expanding Threat of Ransomware

Ransomware attacks have become more prevalent, where cybercriminals encrypt files on computers or servers, demanding payment for decryption. The latest trend includes double-extortion, where attackers not only encrypt data but also threaten to leak it unless a ransom is paid.

What Happens Without Proper Measures?

• - Loss of trust and cessation of contracts with business partners.
• - Requirement to apologize to customers and provide compensation.
• - Obligation to report incidents to law enforcement and authorities.
• - Risk of operational downtime for months.

Data breaches can lead to a significant loss of corporate credibility.

Effective Countermeasures Against Ransomware

Utilize Cloud Data Backups

Cloud storage has proven pivotal in defending against ransomware. In one case, a company suffered a ransomware attack that encrypted all operational files, including quotes and client lists, leading to a complete halt of operations. Fortunately, they had cloud backups in place, which allowed them to restore data prior to the infection within hours.

Recommended Products

Win-Get! Cloud TENMA: A robust cloud backup solution that preserves data unaffected by ransomware. They offer a one-month free trial for businesses considering their service. Learn more here.

ESET Small Business Security: An exceptional security software perfect for small enterprises. ESET offers multi-layered defenses suitable for combating evolving ransomware attacks, ensuring lightweight operation and effective threat detection without the need for a dedicated IT department.

Conclusion: Time to Prepare for the Inevitable

Information leaks should not be seen as a distant possibility but rather as an imminent threat. Once a breach occurs, complete recovery can be exceptionally challenging, leading to severe repercussions. ESET Small Business Security can protect your business from these risks.

We provide comprehensive support for implementing ESET Small Business Security, digital forensics services, and cloud backup solutions, from pre-implementation consultations to onsite installation and aftercare. For inquiries, please contact us at 0120-703-392 for further assistance.