GMO execs apologize for inadequate response to cyberattacks

GMO Internet Group CEO Masatoshi Kumagai bows as he enters a venue for a media briefing in Tokyo on Monday about the impact of a cyberattack. | REUTERS

Nov 2, 2026

GMO Internet Group’s leadership apologized Monday for not properly responding to warnings about its cybersecurity that a subsidiary had pointed out in 2024 and blamed artificial intelligence for creating new vulnerabilities, in the company’s first public briefing since it became embroiled in a growing scandal over a massive data breach that emerged last month.

“It is true that we had previously received reports from experts from GMO Cybersecurity by Ierae, one of our subsidiaries, pointing out issues with our system,” CEO Masatoshi Kumagai said at the news conference, describing the company’s response as both insufficient in thoroughness and speed.

As punishment for the company’s poor response, four top executives, including Kumagai, will have their salaries reduced by between 20% and 30% for the next three months. 

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