The computer systems glitch that shut down customer service at all Mizuho Bank branches last week was caused by a failure to transfer data to a backup device, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
This is believed to have prolonged the impact of equipment failures and led to the suspension of service at branch counters. Mizuho may have designed the system without fully preparing for a scenario in which backup functions did not work.
According to sources, the malfunction occurred in equipment that links information on transactions and procedures handled at customer service counters with the bank's central computer system. The equipment was originally designed to transfer its data to a backup device in the event of trouble, to prevent the suspension of transactions.
However, in the latest systems glitch, there were problems with the data itself. As a result, it was not properly transferred to the backup device.
After four systems glitches that occurred in February and March, Mizuho came up with measures in June to prevent a recurrence. However, an executive at the bank said it had not fully prepared for situations where data could not be transferred to a backup device.
The Financial Services Agency had been considering issuing a business improvement order to Mizuho following its four systems failures. However, the agency is now expected to demand a report on the latest problem and urge a tougher review of the bank's operations and management.
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