cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/4877381

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Asahi Group Holdings, Japan’s largest brewing company, has suspended ordering, shipping, and customer service functions after a cyberattack disrupted its domestic operations. The company, best known for its Asahi Super Dry beer, also produces soft drinks and other beverages, with a strong footprint across Europe and Asia.

“At this time, there has been no confirmed leakage of personal information or customer data to external parties,” Asahi wrote in a notice on its website. “However, due to the system failure, the following operations have been suspended – order and shipment operations at group companies in Japan and call center operations, including customer service desks."

The company added that it is actively investigating the cause and working to restore operations; however, there is currently no estimated timeline for recovery. “The system failure is limited to our operations within Japan. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers and business partners.”

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Market research specialist Teikoku Databank conducted an online survey into cyberattacks at Japanese firms from March 11 to 14, 2022. It found that, of 1,547 businesses responding, 36.1% of companies had experienced a cyberattack in the past year. Around 80% of these, or 28.4% overall, faced a cyberattack in the past month.

In May, Japan’s National Parliament passed the Active Cyber Defense Law, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s cybersecurity strategy. The scope of the legislation extends significantly beyond its title, encompassing a range of provisions aimed at modernizing government institutions and enhancing Japan’s overall cybersecurity framework. The law requires operators of critical infrastructure, designated under the 2022 Economic Security Promotion Act, to report cybersecurity incidents to the government, though the scope and timing of those reports remain undefined.

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[The Asahi case is another one in a line of cyber attacks against supply chains. For example, UK’s Bridgestone or Jaguar Land Rover, along with many others, suffered similar incidents forcing them to halt production.]