Ransomware Attack on Asahi Infiltrates Network, Encrypts Critical Infrastructure

Japanese brewing giant Asahi Group Holdings reported that threat actors infiltrated its internal network, stole confidential company data, and encrypted critical systems using malware.

 

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 as of the latest update, Asahi has not provided a timeline for when normal operations and shipments will resume. Importantly, the company has stated that no personal or client data leaks have been confirmed. 

 

While initial details about whether a ransom was demanded or how the breach occurred were not disclosed, Asahi later confirmed that the disruptions were caused by a ransomware attack, in which hackers deployed malware on its servers and encrypted critical systems.

 

“Upon detecting the incident, we established an Emergency Response Headquarters to investigate the incident, through which we confirmed that our servers were targeted by a ransomware attack.

 

“Subsequent investigations have confirmed traces suggesting a potential unauthorised transfer of data. We are conducting an investigation to determine the nature and scope of the information that may have been subject to unauthorised transfer,” Asahi said.

 

The Japanese brewing giant stated that containment measures impacted operations across its domestic group companies, including order placement and product shipments. Furthermore, the company was temporarily unable to receive emails from external sources.

 

“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 added.