Asahi Breweries, the producer of Japan’s leading beer, Asahi Super Dry, is experiencing significant disruptions due to a recent cyber-attack. The incident led to the halting of production in most of Asahi’s 30 factories, affecting operations across the country since the end of last month. Although the facilities have partially reopened, the company is still grappling with issues related to its computer systems, which remain inoperative. Orders are now being processed manually, which has drastically reduced the volume of shipments.
Asahi controls approximately 40% of Japan’s beer market, creating a considerable impact on bars, restaurants, and retailers across the nation. Reports indicate limited supplies, with establishments like Ben Thai restaurant in the Tokyo suburb of Sengawacho facing shortages. The restaurant owner noted that suppliers were prioritizing larger customers amidst dwindling stock.
Convenience store operators, including major chains like FamilyMart and Lawsons, have also reported shortages of Asahi products, including various soft drinks and bottled teas. Some retailers confirmed they could only fulfill a fraction of their usual orders, with deliveries being sent via fax.
The cyber-attack has been attributed to the ransomware group Qilin, known for similar previous attacks on other organizations. Asahi has not fully disclosed the attack details but acknowledged that some data may have been compromised and shared online.
Japan’s overall cybersecurity framework is under scrutiny, with experts highlighting a lack of experienced professionals and outdated systems that render businesses vulnerable to such attacks. The Japanese government is responding by enhancing its cyber capabilities, following the introduction of a new law that allows for greater interaction between governmental and corporate cybersecurity efforts.
As concerns linger over operational stability, small businesses continue to face the uncertainties presented by Asahi’s stock shortages and the broader implications of the cyber-attack.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly64g5y744o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss