GMO Internet Group CEO apologizes for desktop cloud security breach

Masatoshi Kumagai, representative of GMO Internet Group, issued a formal apology via his blog following unauthorized access to the ‘Onamae.com Desktop Cloud’ service. The breach resulted in the theft of user information and has been linked to reports of unauthorized transactions in some users' trading accounts.

Kumagai revealed that internal white-hat hackers had previously identified security vulnerabilities. However, the company failed to implement sufficient defenses, citing difficulties in balancing security updates with service continuity and other operational priorities.

In response, GMO Internet Group has announced several compensation measures. The company will provide a flat 5,000 yen consolation payment to all current subscribers and will separately compensate realized losses from unauthorized trades confirmed to be caused by the breach. Additionally, the company is preparing an alternative service on a new, independent infrastructure, which will be offered free of charge for six months following migration.