Hackers Force Asahi Brewing Giant to Halt Production, Return to Manual Methods
A devastating cyber-attack at the end of last month forced Japan's largest brewery, Asahi, to temporarily shut down production at most of its 30 factories in the country. According to sources, the attack crippled the company's computer systems, leaving brewers struggling to keep up with demand.
The impact was felt across the country, with many restaurants and bars reporting stock shortages of Asahi Super Dry, Japan's best-selling beer. Ben Thai, a cozy restaurant in Tokyo's Sengawacho suburb, had only four bottles left on its shelves, according to owner Sakaolath Sugizaki. "We're expecting more soon, but our supplier is keeping the bulk for bigger customers," she explained.
Asahi's computer systems were severely compromised by the attack, forcing the company to revert to manual methods of tracking inventory and production. This move has caused significant delays in meeting customer demand, with many restaurants and bars struggling to get their hands on Asahi Super Dry.
The cyber-attack is believed to have occurred at the end of last month, with all six breweries in Japan being affected. However, according to a statement from Asahi, most facilities have now partially reopened, allowing production to resume albeit at a slower pace.
Industry experts say that the attack highlights the vulnerability of large companies to cyber threats. "This is a wake-up call for many businesses," said cybersecurity expert, Dr. Kenji Kondo. "Companies need to invest in robust security measures to protect themselves from such attacks."
Asahi has not commented on the extent of the damage or the cost of the attack but has assured customers that it is working to restore its systems and meet demand as soon as possible.
The incident serves as a reminder of the increasing threat of cyber-attacks on businesses, particularly those with complex supply chains. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, companies must prioritize cybersecurity measures to prevent such disruptions in the future.
For now, customers will have to wait patiently for their favorite beer to be back on shelves. As Sakaolath Sugizaki put it, "We're doing our best to get more stock, but it's not easy."
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Business.
