Imagine this - you are thirsty for a beer, but out of nowhere, the brewing company goes out of business due to a cyber attack. This is what occurred with Asahi Group Holdings, the leading brewer in Japan.
And, it’s worth noting this is a big deal. Asahi produces approximately one-third of all beer in Japan, employs 30,000 workers, and is a $20 billion beverage business.
When a cyberattack occurs against a company of this size, its equivalent to shutting down a large machine:
What we do know:
It also exposes how fragile large businesses can be. One attack on its computer systems, and a company worth billions shuts down overnight.
The next time I open a beer, I will probably think about this. It’s crazy how cybercriminals can even hold up a beverage or something so simple.
What Happened?
Asahi stated that cyber attackers crippled its systems in Japan, leading to a halt on all orders, no shipping, and no customer service—essentially a complete shutdown.And, it’s worth noting this is a big deal. Asahi produces approximately one-third of all beer in Japan, employs 30,000 workers, and is a $20 billion beverage business.
How Bad Is It?
At this time, it only affects Japan. However, it's significant for the fact that the majority of beer sold in Japan is produced by Asahi. The company has not indicated that any personal data was breached, but that does not mean it has not been. They have not disclosed having any data that was stolen at this time.When a cyberattack occurs against a company of this size, its equivalent to shutting down a large machine:
- No orders can be made
- No products leave the warehouse.
- No phones are answered.
- It means millions every day in lost sales.
Who Did It?
Here's the kicker-nobody knows-yet. Asahi did not disclose whether it was ransomware, phishing, or another trick. And no hacking group has claimed responsibility.What we do know:
- The attack began in Japan around 7 a.m.
- It caused a complete system failure.
- No recovery date has been issued.
Why Does It Matter?
Cyberattacks on major companies are increasing—car manufacturers, hospitals and even schools have been affected. But this feels different, given how important beer is to Japanese culture.It also exposes how fragile large businesses can be. One attack on its computer systems, and a company worth billions shuts down overnight.
In Conclusion
Yes, Asahi, the largest brewery in Japan, was forced to suspend operations after being hacked. The company apologizes and continues to investigate. Customers and partners are still wondering what the company found.The next time I open a beer, I will probably think about this. It’s crazy how cybercriminals can even hold up a beverage or something so simple.