Fake USB Sticks Spread China-Linked Virus in Japan's Army
Summary
Fake USB sticks linked to China infected Japan’s army computers with malware for nearly a year before detection. The malware spread through counterfeit flash drives used during disaster relief operations and affected both secure and classified military systems.Key Facts
- Fake USB drives carrying malware were given to Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force in March 2024.
- The infection was found in February 2025 after a soldier noticed slow computer performance.
- The malware activates immediately when the infected USB is inserted into a computer.
- Six of eight USB drives tested contained the malware, and over 50 computers were connected to them.
- Nearly half of the infected computers processed classified military information.
- Japan’s military has both open and closed computer networks, with external data transferred via USB drives.
- The fake USB sticks are counterfeit Chinese products sold cheaper than originals.
- Similar infections have been reported in factories and research institutes with closed systems.
- U.S. intelligence has warned about China-linked hackers using malware to pre-position attacks on critical infrastructure.
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