Few events in recent anime history were as shocking as the 2023 cyberattack on prominent production companies Toei Animation, Production I.G., and David Productions. Fortunately, fans finally know who is responsible, as a hacker group from Kurdistan has confessed to the massive attack and leak of information.
In a report released byNTT Security Japan OSINT, it was found that a group of Kurdish hackers was behind the 2023 cyberattacks. The hacker group has claimed in various social media posts that the attacks on Japanese businesses and anime companies was a response to anti-Kurdish sentiments baked into popular anime series.
I can say that the Japanese have created anti-Kurdish anime series to defame the Kurdish fighters and the Kurdish nation, openly burn the Kurdistan flag and distort the Kurds and Kurdistan. Therefore, our attacks on Japan will continue.
While it’s not clear what anime is being referred to in this particular post, another one specifically mentions that Toei Animation is behindDragon BallandOne Piece, potentially hinting at those series as the reason for the attacks.
What Happened in 2023’s Anime Cyberattacks?
The 2023 cyberattacks targeting Toei, I.G., and David led to a variety of headaches for the trio of companies. Chief among the problems was a series of DDoS attacks on the trio, making their sites difficult or impossible to access.
In addition to the DDoS attack, Toei was hit with a leak of personal information, potentially putting the employees behindDragon Ball,One Piece, andSailor Moonat risk as they were essentially doxed.
Though the Kurdish hacking group has now alleged that the attack was carried out due to the poor portrayal of Kurdistan in anime, it’s difficult to find evidence that this is the case. It’s entirely possible Toei, I.G., and David were targeted more for their prominence than any actual grievance with the product they produce.
2023’s Anime Cyberattacks Highlight the Changing Nature of Threats To The Anime Industry
Though it’s good that Japanese authorities know who is responsible for the cyberattacks, they do highlight the important need for cybersecurity.
Anime likeGrand Blue Dreaminghave had whole seasons leak online, while other companies have seen information about their staff come out, potentially leading to harassment from angry fans.
Perhaps most infamously were the recent leaks faced by Nintendo.Pokémonin particular was hit hard by the leaks, as a trove of information that was never meant to see the light of day came out, potentially damaging the family-friendly image of theworld’s most profitable IP.
The world of anime has adapted to the digital age quite well, with the rise of streaming only benefiting the industry by bringing the medium to new audiences. Still, as evidenced by the 2023 cyberattacks on Toei Animation, Production I.G., and David Productions, it’s clear cybersecurity shoudl be at the forefront of every anime producer’s priority list.
