GMO Makes Urgent Request to Government: Can the Damage Be Contained? Stepping Up Appeals to Users | NHK News

What happened

A cloud service for investors run by GMO Internet Group was hacked. Someone got in without permission and made stock trades that the customers did not recognize. On October 24, 2026, the company asked the Japanese government to use "active cyber defense." This means the government would act early to find and block attacks before they cause more harm.

Key facts

• The news was posted on October 25, 2026, and updated later that day.
• The problem is an unauthorized access, meaning someone broke into a system without permission.
• The company asked the government for help on October 24, 2026.
• The company is also strengthening warnings to its users.

Background

Cyber attacks are attempts to break into computers, websites, or online services. Hackers may steal money, data, or accounts. Active cyber defense is a plan where the government watches networks closely and can respond quickly to threats, instead of waiting for damage to happen.

Why it matters

Investors use online accounts to buy and sell stocks, so fake trades can cost real money. This case shows how quickly a single break-in can hurt many people. It also shows that companies may need government help when an attack is spreading.

What to watch

• Whether the government takes action under active cyber defense.
• How many users were affected and how much money was lost.
• What steps GMO Internet Group takes to make its system safer.
• Whether users get new warnings or safety tips.