Overview of the Cashless Security Report (July-September 2025)
In the wake of rising concerns regarding credit card security, Link Corporation and Cacco Co., Ltd. have jointly released the Cashless Security Report for the third quarter of 2025. This comprehensive report outlines the latest statistics on credit card data breaches and trends in e-commerce fraud, shedding light on the emerging threats and necessary countermeasures.
Key Highlights
1.
The Dangers of Ransomware
One of the most significant findings from this quarter is the discovery of a ransomware attack that potentially exposed valid credit card information from a leading supermarket company in Japan. Unlike previous instances where only expired information was accessed, this unprecedented attack could have compromised around 120,000 active card details. This event marks a crucial shift in the cyber threat landscape, underlining the need for robust, multi-layered security strategies that go beyond just PCI DSS compliance.
2.
Paradigm Shift in Reselling Prevention
Historically, efforts to combat fraud in the resale market have leaned towards individual corporate strategies. However, this quarter has seen a significant shift towards collaborative efforts among major players such as Mercari, LINE, Yahoo! Auctions, and Rakuten. This cross-company initiative aims to redefine standards and practices in preventing fraudulent reselling activities without waiting for government regulations, demonstrating a proactive approach to safeguarding brand integrity and combating money laundering risks.
Detailed Analysis of Credit Card Data Breaches
### 1. Trends in Credit Card Breaches
The report highlights a notable increase in reported credit card incidents during the July to September 2025 period, primarily attributed to sophisticated intrusion methods, including vulnerabilities in VPNs and advanced phishing techniques. As the threat landscape evolves, businesses are encouraged to implement comprehensive ransomware countermeasures alongside traditional data security practices to ensure continuity and resilience.
### 2. E-commerce Fraud Analysis
Although the financial impact of credit card fraud decreased to 10.2 billion yen—representing a 23.1% reduction compared to the previous year—this figure does not diminish the pressing need for vigilance among online merchants. The report discusses crime trends observed on e-commerce platforms, particularly focusing on the growing designs of fraudsters who exploit lax security measures.
Policy Directions
Furthermore, a significant portion of the report is dedicated to the government's roadmap toward transitioning to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). As quantum computing technology advances, governments and organizations are urged to adapt their encryption methodologies to prepare against potential future vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
As cyber threats become increasingly complex and multifaceted, staying informed and agile in response to emerging risks is critical for businesses that engage in e-commerce. Companies must not only prioritize PCI DSS compliance but also embrace a culture of security that is proactive and adaptive. The Cashless Security Report serves as an essential resource for understanding current fraudulent activities and strengthening defenses against them. To stay ahead, organizations must leverage insights from this report to bolster their financial security measures and combat the relentless tide of cybercrime.
For further reading, the full report is available at
Cashless Security Report and on Cacco's website at
Cacco Media.
This report is highly recommended for businesses looking to compare their fraud impact against industry trends, understand the evolving tactics used by criminals, and reinforce their security measures accordingly.