Asahi Resumes Production After Ransomware Attack Disrupts Operations

Japanese brewing giant Asahi Group Holdings announced that it has resumed production after a major ransomware attack crippled its internal network and disrupted daily operations.

 

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., a major global beverage company known for brands like Asahi and Peroni, experienced a cyberattack on September 29, which disrupted parts of its domestic operations in Japan. This attack caused a system failure that forced the company to halt order processing and shipment activities across its group companies in Japan, including customer service call centres.

 

The disruption remains confined to Japan and initially Asahi could not provide a timeline for when normal operations and shipments will resume. Importantly, the company stated that no personal or client data leaks have been confirmed. 

 

In a separate statement Asahi said that the disruptions were caused by a ransomware attack, in which hackers deployed malware on its servers and encrypted critical systems.

 

“Although system-based order and shipment processes remain suspended, ensuring product supply to customers has been set as our top priority and we have begun partial manual order processing and shipment.

 

“Regarding customer inquiries related to products from Asahi Breweries, Asahi Soft Drinks, and Asahi Group Foods, we are currently preparing to partially and gradually resume call center operations including customer service desks, with the aim of starting this during the week of October 6,” the company said.

 

In a recent update, the Japanese brewing giant said it has resumed production at all six of its domestic factories from October 2.

 

“Asahi Breweries resumed production at all six of its domestic factories from October 2 and partial shipments of Asahi Super Dry have resumed. Beginning October 15, partial shipments of products including Asahi Draft Beer and Asahi Dry Zero will also resume, as part of ongoing recovery efforts.

 

“Asahi Soft Drinks has partially resumed production at six of its seven domestic factories as of October 8, and all seven will partially resume production from October 9.

 

“Asahi Group Foods has partially resumed production at all seven of its domestic factories as of October 8,” the brewing giant added.