OSAKA - Beer deliveries from Asahi Group Holdings have been disrupted following a ransomware cyberattack, causing shortages that have already begun to affect izakaya and other establishments across Japan. Some bars have reported their beer stock falling to “only one left” as supply chain delays ripple through the industry.
The company revealed that the cyberattack, confirmed to be ransomware, has stalled production and distribution systems, resulting in widespread delivery delays. The impact extends beyond Asahi’s operations, affecting restaurants and liquor wholesalers that rely heavily on its beer supply.
Cyberattacks of this kind are becoming increasingly common in Japan, targeting not only large corporations but also hospitals and individual users. News Runner conducted interviews with a hospital that recently fell victim to ransomware, describing the incident as feeling “like a natural disaster,” highlighting the scale of disruption such attacks can cause to medical services.
Experts warn that ransomware threats are evolving rapidly, with attackers now also targeting personal smartphones through malicious links and apps. Asahi is currently working to restore its systems and resume normal deliveries, but industry observers caution that recovery from ransomware incidents can be slow and technically complex, underscoring the growing risks posed by digital vulnerabilities across all sectors.
Source: KTV NEWS
