NTT Docomo suffers mobile network failures across Japan after detecting likely illegal access

NTT Docomo, Japan's largest carrier, reported difficulties with its mobile phone service across the country on Thursday, according to EFE. According to Kyodo, as cited by News.az, voice calls, mobile data and text messages had been working unstably since around 11:18, and the failures also affected other operators that use Docomo's network. The company was checking whether emergency calls were affected.

Hours earlier, Docomo had suspended its online store and the My docomo customer portal, which is used to sign up for plans, check bills and change contracts. According to EFE, the company said it had determined there is "a high probability" that its servers were illegally accessed from an external source and that it suspended the services to find the cause.

According to Kyodo, the company had not yet determined whether the likely unauthorized access is related to the mobile network failures. EFE adds that the investigation had so far not revealed evidence of unauthorized access or a cyberattack.

Japanese government spokesman Minoru Kihara described the string of cyberattacks against Japanese companies and entities as "extremely serious" and said the government is working to finalize an emergency cybersecurity package this week, according to EFE. The number of affected customers and the time of restoration are not known.