Major Cyberattack Disrupts Asahi's Operations
Japanese beer conglomerate Asahi Group Holdings has been forced to delay the announcement of its full-year financial results following a significant ransomware attack that has crippled its systems since late September. The company confirmed on Thursday that it would postpone the release of its financial performance data for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, as recovery efforts continue.
System Recovery Efforts Underway
In an official statement, Asahi explained "While the Company is making every effort to restore the system as quickly as possible, it has decided to postpone the announcement of financial results" for the upcoming fiscal year. The company first disclosed the cybersecurity incident on September 29, revealing that hackers had successfully breached their digital infrastructure using ransomware malware.
CEO Atsushi Katsuki provided a cautiously optimistic update regarding product supply chains, noting that "shipments are resuming in stages as system recovery progresses." He added, "We apologize for the continued inconvenience and appreciate your understanding" as the company works to normalize operations.
Global Cybersecurity Pattern Emerges
The attack on Asahi, makers of the popular Asahi Super Dry beer, represents the latest in a growing wave of cyber incidents targeting major international corporations. According to AFP reports, the hacker group Qilin, believed to be operating from Russia, has claimed responsibility for the attack, though Asahi has not officially confirmed this attribution or disclosed any ransom demands.
Ransomware attacks typically involve hackers using malicious software to encrypt or lock computer systems, then demanding payment to restore access. This security breach at Asahi follows similar incidents affecting other global brands, including Indian-owned Jaguar Land Rover, which recently sought emergency funding after a cyberattack disrupted operations at its UK factories.
In another parallel case, Japanese retailer Muji was forced to suspend its domestic online shopping service in October following a ransomware attack on its delivery partner Askul, demonstrating the widespread nature of this cybersecurity threat across multiple industries.
The incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of major corporations to sophisticated cyber threats and raises concerns about the potential impact on global supply chains and financial markets as companies struggle to protect their digital infrastructure.
