In brief
Asahi, Japan's largest brewer, has experienced a debilitating cyber-attack that forced it to pause operations at most of its factories. While beer production has resumed, the company is currently operating with outdated methods. Investigations are ongoing to determine if personal data has been stolen, and Asahi has pledged to inform those impacted. This incident highlights the increasing threat of cyber-attacks in major corporations across the globe.
Personal data may have been stolen in the ransomware attack that forced Asahi to halt beer production, the company has said.
Japan's biggest brewer was forced to pause operations at most of its 30 factories in the country after a cyber-attack late last month disrupted everything from beer shipments to its accounting system.
All of Asahi's facilities have now partially reopened and restarted production, but computer systems remain down, meaning orders are being processed using pen, paper, and fax machines.
In a statement, Asahi said it was investigating whether personal information was stolen in the attack.
The company has been working with cybersecurity experts to restore its system quickly and will contact those affected by the hack.
Asahi warned there is a possibility that unauthorized data transfer occurred during the incident.
The nature of the stolen personal data remains unclear, and Asahi has declined to provide more details pending the investigation.
Asahi Group also owns Fullers in the UK and global brands including Peroni and Grolsch but confirmed only its operations in Japan were affected.
Asahi apologized for the difficulties caused and mentioned delays in the disclosure of its third-quarter financial results due to the attack.
This incident follows a growing concern over the rise of cyber-attacks within major companies, with instances like those affecting Jaguar Land Rover and Marks and Spencer reported earlier this year.
