Asahi Hit by Ransomware Attack: Potential Beer Shortages loom in Japan & A Wake-Up Call for Manufacturers
Tokyo, Japan – Leading beverage company Asahi Group Holdings has confirmed it was the victim of a ransomware attack, causing meaningful disruption to operations in Japan and raising concerns about potential beer shortages.The incident underscores the growing threat cybercriminals pose to operational technology (OT) and the critical need for robust cyber resilience strategies, particularly within the manufacturing sector.
Confirmed Attack & Ongoing Inquiry
Asahi officially acknowledged the attack in a statement released on October 3rd, detailing that it took immediate steps to contain the breach and prioritize the security of sensitive data, including customer and partner information. While the identity of the attackers remains unknown, Asahi suspects data exfiltration occurred and is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the scope of the compromise.
“I woudl like to sincerely apologise for any difficulties caused to our stakeholders by the recent system disruption,” stated Atsushi Katsuki, Asahi President and Group CEO. “We are continuing our investigation to determine the nature and scope of the potential unauthorised data transfer.We are making every effort to restore the system as quickly as possible, while implementing alternative measures to ensure continued product supply to our customers.”
Impact on Production & Supply Chain
The attack has forced Asahi to suspend several operations within Japan, including order processing and product shipping. Reports indicate the company has warned retailers of potential beer supply disruptions, a significant concern given Asahi controls approximately 40% of the Japanese domestic beer market. This disruption highlights the vulnerability of complex manufacturing networks and the cascading effects a cyberattack can have on the entire supply chain.
Why Manufacturers are Prime Targets & The Cost of Downtime
asahi’s experience isn’t isolated. Manufacturing organizations are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals due to the complexity of their IT and OT environments. These networks frequently enough incorporate legacy systems, numerous external suppliers, and a diverse range of technologies, creating multiple potential entry points for attackers. A prosperous breach can quickly cripple production, leading to substantial financial losses.
“As we have seen recently with the retail sector and JLR [Jaguar Land Rover], production and supply chain halts can be extremely expensive for businesses,” explains Kevin Marriott, Senior Manager of Cyber at Immersive Labs. “This is why having procedures in place that protect operations is crucial.”
Recent research reinforces this point. A study conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Absolute Security revealed that 77% of UK security leaders now consider downtime from a cyberattack to be one of their biggest concerns. Nearly two-thirds fear the financial consequences of ransomware could be devastating to their organizations. Moreover, 59% of CISOs identify cyber threats as the single biggest risk facing their organizations, surpassing even concerns about Artificial Intelligence.
Beyond Prevention: The Need for Cyber Resilience
the Asahi incident underscores a critical shift in cybersecurity thinking. Simply preventing all attacks is no longer realistic. Organizations must focus on building cyber resilience – the ability to anticipate, withstand, and rapidly recover from attacks without halting critical operations.
“True resilience isn’t about preventing every attack, but about building the ability to anticipate, withstand and recover fast enough to keep operations running,” says Andy Ward, International Senior Vice-President at Absolute Security. “For manufacturers,where legacy infrastructure,supply chains,and safety are intertwined,that means rethinking resilience strategies before the next outage makes headlines.”
asahi’s Global Footprint – Limited Impact Outside Japan
While the disruption is currently confined to Japan, Asahi is a global brand with a diverse portfolio. Beyond its flagship Asahi Super Dry lager, the company owns popular brands like Grolsch and peroni (acquired from Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller) and the UK’s Fuller, Smith & Turner, including the historic Griffin Brewery in London. Currently, operations outside of Japan are reported to be unaffected.
Key Takeaways & Recommendations for Manufacturers:
* Prioritize OT Security: Manufacturing environments require a dedicated focus on securing operational technology, frequently enough overlooked in customary IT security strategies.
* Implement Robust Backup & Recovery: Regular, tested backups are essential for rapid recovery from ransomware attacks.
* Strengthen Supply Chain Security: Assess and mitigate risks within your supply chain, as vulnerabilities in third-party systems can be exploited.
* Invest in Threat Detection & Response: Proactive threat hunting and incident response capabilities are crucial for minimizing the impact of a breach.
* Embrace Cyber Resilience Frameworks: adopt frameworks like NIST Cybersecurity Framework to guide your security efforts.
* Regularly Test & Simulate: Conduct tabletop exercises and penetration testing to identify weaknesses and improve response plans.
The Asahi attack
