Computer virus leads to Japan data leak

TOKYO: Japan’s space agency said it is investigating a possible leak of data about its Epsilon rocket due to a computer virus.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency says an infected computer was disconnected from its networks after a virus was found earlier this month. It is checking to see if any data was siphoned from it.
JAXA said in a statement that information about the Epsilon, due to be launched next year, its M-5 rocket and H2A and H2B rockets may have been compromised.
The agency said it is tightening security to prevent any further leaks.
Japan is hoping to compete with the US, Russia, Europe and others as a satellite launch vehicle provider and has developed the Epsilon to reduce costs and speed up launch times.
Separately, US Senate has unanimously approved an amendment that reaffirms the US commitment to Japan in its territorial dispute with China over the Senkaku Islands.
The amendment notes that while the United States “takes no position” on the ultimate sovereignty of the territory, it “acknowledges the administration of Japan over the Senkaku Islands.”
It further adds that “unilateral actions of a third party will not affect United States acknowledgement of the administration of Japan over the Senkaku Islands.”
The legislation reaffirms the US commitment to Japan under the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and warns that an armed attack against either party “in the territories under the administration of Japan” would be met in accordance with its provisions.
The amendment also noted US opposition to any efforts to coerce, threaten to use force, or use force to resolve territorial issues.
The Senate reiterated the US national interest in freedom of navigation, peace and stability, respect for international law, and unimpeded lawful commerce in the region.
“This amendment is a strong statement of support for a vital ally in Pacific Asia,” Senator Webb said in a statement.
It “unequivocally states that the United States acknowledges the administration of Japan over the Senkaku Islands, and that this position will not be changed through threats, coercion, or military action,” added the Democratic senator.
Webb chairs the Senate Foreign Relations East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee.
The sovereignty of the islands has been a source of friction for decades.
Chinese vessels have been spotted in and around the territorial waters every day for the last month.
Both sides have publicly refused to back down on their respective claims to the Japan-controlled islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.