Japanese companies have started compensating users after a series of cyberattacks disrupted online services and raised concerns about economic stability. Internet firm GMO Internet and car-sharing operator Park24 have announced payments to affected customers.
The moves show how cyberattacks now carry direct commercial costs. Companies must restore systems, protect customer data, compensate users, and rebuild trust after breaches.
GMO Internet said, “Customers would receive compensation for losses caused by unauthorised access to its foreign-exchange trading service. Chief executive Masatoshi Kumagai announced a 5,000 yen payment for all customers as an initial gesture of goodwill.” The company will also offer a free alternative service for six months. It has not yet calculated the total financial impact of the compensation programme and customer payouts.
GMO said it received a demand for money from a party believed to be behind the attack. The attacker threatened to release company and customer information unless the company paid. GMO refused the demand and said it is working with police and other authorities. The company also asked the Japanese government to apply active cyber-defence measures in response to the incident.
Park24, which operates the Times car-sharing service, said it would pay 3,000 yen to customers affected by a personal-data breach. The company also said it would stop retaining identity-document images after completing registration checks
The attacks have unsettled investors and policymakers. GMO’s shares fell sharply in Tokyo trading as markets weighed the cost of compensation, service disruption, and reputational damage.
Japan’s government plans to form a team that will use artificial intelligence to simulate cyberattacks and identify weaknesses in critical technology systems. Officials see the initiative as part of a broader effort to protect companies and public services.
Security experts warn that AI is reducing the cost of launching attacks. That shift makes it easier for criminals to probe software weaknesses, automate intrusions, and pressure companies with ransom demands.
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