Only four bottles of Asahi Super Dry beer sit on the shelves of Ben Thai, a cozy restaurant in Tokyo’s Sengawacho. Owner Sakaolath Sugizaki hopes to receive more soon, but her supplier is reserving most stock for larger customers. This shortage stems from a recent cyber-attack that forced Asahi, Japan’s leading beer producer, to halt production at many of its 30 factories.
Though partially reopened, Asahi’s facilities are still grappling with significant disruptions. Orders and shipments must now be handled manually, creating a backlog that impacts delivery time. Asahi supplies about 40% of Japan’s beer market, which means these issues have major ripple effects across bars, restaurants, and retail stores.
In Tokyo and Hokkaido, convenience stores report they are selling off remaining Asahi stock without the ability to place new orders. Hisako Arisawa, a liquor store owner, worries about her limited supply and predicts that shortages will continue for at least a month. The problem extends beyond beer; Asahi’s soft drink offerings, including ginger beer and soda water, are also in short supply.
Recently, major convenience store chains warned customers about expected shortages. FamilyMart highlighted that its bottled teas, made by Asahi, might soon be unavailable. Seven-Eleven and Lawson also announced disruptions in Asahi product shipments.
The attack was attributed to a ransomware group called Qilin, known for targeting significant organizations. While Asahi hasn’t officially acknowledged the full nature of the breach, reports suggest that some data may have leaked online, leading to increased anxiety about data security.
Ironically, while Japan is seen as a technologically advanced nation, experts warn it lacks enough cybersecurity professionals. Cartan McLaughlin from the Nihon Cyber Defence Group pointed out that many businesses in Japan rely on outdated systems and exhibit low digital literacy. As a result, organizations remain ill-prepared for cyber threats and are more likely to pay ransoms.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announced the issue is under investigation, emphasizing the need to enhance national cyber capabilities. Recently, the government enacted the Active Cyber Defense Law, allowing it to collaborate more openly with companies and equipping law enforcement to counteract cybercriminals effectively.
Yet, those measures may not suffice for small businesses like Ben Thai. Sakaolath, like many others across Japan, is uncertain about when her favorite beer will be available again. The uncertainty hangs over not just her restaurant but countless places reliant on Asahi products.
The ripple effects of this cyber-attack extend far beyond one company, raising questions about Japan’s overall readiness in the face of rising cyber threats.
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