Japan's largest brewer, Asahi, may have suffered personal data breaches due to a recent ransomware attack that forced the company to suspend beer production across most of its factories. The attack, which occurred late last month, disrupted essential systems from beer shipments to accounting.
Following the cyber-attack, all 30 of Asahi's facilities have partially reopened, but the corporation is still facing significant operational challenges as its computer systems remain offline. Orders are now being processed using outdated methods—such as pen, paper, and fax machines.
In a statement released Tuesday, Asahi confirmed that it is investigating the extent of the data breach. The company asserted, As we continue investigating the extent and details of the impact, focusing on the systems targeted in the recent attack, we have identified the possibility that personal information may have been subject to unauthorized data transfer.
If the investigation verifies data theft, affected individuals will be promptly notified, and measures will be taken to comply with applicable data protection laws.
The specific types of personal data that may have been compromised remain unclear, as Asahi continues to withhold detailed information due to the ongoing investigation. The company is collaborating with cybersecurity experts through its Emergency Response Headquarters to restore systems as swiftly as possible.
Asahi has also announced a delay in the release of its third-quarter financial results due to the operational complexities introduced by the cyber-attack. The company, which owns popular global brands such as Peroni, Grolsch, and Pilsner Urquell, noted that the operations impacted were primarily confined to Japan, which constitutes about half of its sales.
The incident has drawn attention to the increasing frequency of cyber-attacks, with the Russian ransomware group Qilin claiming responsibility for the breach. Data from the UK's National Cyber Security Centre indicates a record uptick in nationally significant cyber incidents, highlighting an urgent need for companies to bolster their cybersecurity measures.
Following the cyber-attack, all 30 of Asahi's facilities have partially reopened, but the corporation is still facing significant operational challenges as its computer systems remain offline. Orders are now being processed using outdated methods—such as pen, paper, and fax machines.
In a statement released Tuesday, Asahi confirmed that it is investigating the extent of the data breach. The company asserted, As we continue investigating the extent and details of the impact, focusing on the systems targeted in the recent attack, we have identified the possibility that personal information may have been subject to unauthorized data transfer.
If the investigation verifies data theft, affected individuals will be promptly notified, and measures will be taken to comply with applicable data protection laws.
The specific types of personal data that may have been compromised remain unclear, as Asahi continues to withhold detailed information due to the ongoing investigation. The company is collaborating with cybersecurity experts through its Emergency Response Headquarters to restore systems as swiftly as possible.
Asahi has also announced a delay in the release of its third-quarter financial results due to the operational complexities introduced by the cyber-attack. The company, which owns popular global brands such as Peroni, Grolsch, and Pilsner Urquell, noted that the operations impacted were primarily confined to Japan, which constitutes about half of its sales.
The incident has drawn attention to the increasing frequency of cyber-attacks, with the Russian ransomware group Qilin claiming responsibility for the breach. Data from the UK's National Cyber Security Centre indicates a record uptick in nationally significant cyber incidents, highlighting an urgent need for companies to bolster their cybersecurity measures.
