Asahi Cyberattack Disrupts Operations and Exposes Data of 1.52 Million Customers

Japan’s leading beverage producer Asahi Group is dealing with the aftermath of a major cyberattack that may have exposed the personal information of approximately 1.52 million customers. The attack, which occurred on September 29, forced the company to halt key operations including order processing, product shipments, and call-centre services. The disruption also caused shortages of Asahi beverages—most notably the popular “Super Dry” beer—across restaurants, bars, and retail stores in Japan.

Asahi confirmed that the operational shutdown directly impacted its financial schedule, delaying its July–September earnings announcement well beyond the expected November 12 release date. The company said the results would come more than 50 days after the quarter’s end due to internal system interruptions triggered by the cyber incident. Despite anticipating weaker short-term performance, CEO Atsushi Katsuki emphasized that the company’s long-term vision and strategic management plans remain unchanged.

The ransomware group Qilin claimed responsibility for the attack on October 9, raising concerns over increasing cyber threats facing major global manufacturers. In response, Asahi moved quickly to restore operations, resuming production at six of its domestic factories during the week following the breach. The company continues to investigate the extent of the data leak while strengthening its cybersecurity measures to prevent future incidents.

The breach highlights the growing vulnerability of major corporations to ransomware groups targeting supply chains and essential business functions. Asahi’s experience serves as a reminder of how cyberattacks can create widespread ripple effects—from operational shutdowns and product shortages to financial reporting delays and customer data risks. As the company works to recover fully, protecting customer trust and reinforcing digital infrastructure remain top priorities in its ongoing response to the incident.