Dead Drop: November 23

CYBER INSECURITY: Japan’s new cybersecurity minister is not going to let pre-conceived notions about high-tech matters get in the way of doing his job – since he apparently doesn’t have any.  According to Kyodo News, Yoshitaka Sakurada, 68,  told lawmakers in Tokyo that he has “never used a computer in (his) life.” Sakurada says he hasn’t needed to learn computer stuff since he has had good secretaries.  By the way, he is also in charge of Japan’s anti-hacking preparations for the 2020 Olympics.

AND DON’T COME BACK: Last week, North Korea released a U.S. citizen who had entered the country illegally from China – after saying that he had been sent by the CIA. Bruce Byron Lowrance had previously been thrown out of South Korea when he was caught wandering around near the DMZ claiming that he was there to facilitate talks between Pyongyang and Washington. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo thanked the North Koreans, and the Swedes who look after U.S. diplomatic interests in North Korea, but did not mention Lowrance’s name in his statement. North Korean officials said that they did not believe Lowrance was “psychologically disturbed” but in fairness, their experience in dealing with Americans is somewhat limited – other than with Dennis Rodman, of course.