The popular Japanese video-sharing website Niconico has suspended its services due to a large-scale cyberattack.
Niconico is one of Japan’s most extensive video-sharing services. Users share various videos, from music and sports to multiple hobbies.
The platform also offers live streaming of programs, including government officials’ press conferences, making it a significant player in Japan’s digital media landscape.
“Currently, Niconico is under a large-scale cyberattack, and we are suspending our services to minimize its impact,” operator Dwango said.
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The company emphasized that they are conducting a thorough investigation and implementing countermeasures.
“However, we will not be able to restore the service until we are confident in its safety and have mitigated the impact of the cyberattack,” the statement added, noting that they did not expect to restore the service over the weekend.
Broader Impact on Kadokawa Group
In addition to Niconico’s parent company Kadokawa’s official website and its e-commerce site, ebten, were also affected by possible “unauthorized access from outside,” the publisher said Sunday.
“We sincerely apologize for causing concern and inconvenience due to the issue affecting several websites of the Kadokawa Group since early Saturday morning,” the Tokyo-based publisher stated.
Kadokawa is investigating the impact of the attack, including “whether there have been leaks of information,” and is cooperating with external experts and police.
The company is taking all necessary steps to ensure the security of its platforms and user data.
Dwango promised to update the situation on Monday. Users and stakeholders eagerly await more information on the extent of the attack and measures to prevent future incidents.
The cyberattack on Niconico and other Kadokawa Group websites highlights the growing threat of cybercrime in the digital age.
As companies continue to rely on online platforms for their operations, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated.
The incident is a stark reminder of the existing vulnerabilities and the need for constant vigilance and preparedness.
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