CybersecurityCounterfeit memory sticks infected computers that had access to classified informationThe Ground Self-Defense Force used USB drives infected with a virus said to be linked to Chinese hackers. (Photo by Taro Yokosawa) TATSUYA SUDO and TORU TSUNASHIMAJune 25, 2026 05:02 JSTTOKYO -- Japan's Self-Defense Forces used USB drives containing a China-linked virus on computers with access to classified information for nearly a year, then elected not to disclose the matter even though similar memory sticks were widely available online, a Nikkei investigation has revealed.