Asahi Group and Askul Corp.: Cyberattacks Hit Japanese Firms As Ransomware Cases Climb

Cyberattacks Surge in Japan as Ransomware Cases Hit Record Highs

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has reported a sharp rise in cyberattacks targeting major Japanese corporations, disrupting supply chains and critical operations. Companies like Asahi Group and Askul Corp. have faced severe disruptions, with attacks forcing distribution systems offline and halting retail operations. The incidents highlight vulnerabilities exacerbated by remote work trends and increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics, including AI-driven automation.

Japan recorded 116 ransomware attacks in the first half of 2025, matching its previous annual total. The financial and reputational fallout has drawn investor scrutiny, as disruptions to logistics and customer trust threaten profitability. With digital dependence growing, sectors reliant on online platforms face heightened risk, potentially impacting valuations if security measures fail to keep pace.

The attacks underscore broader economic risks, as even advanced economies remain vulnerable to cyber threats. Authorities and businesses are under pressure to bolster defenses, with cybersecurity now a critical factor in maintaining economic stability.

Source: https://finimize.com/content/cyberattacks-hit-japanese-firms-as-ransomware-cases-climb

Asahi Group TPRM report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/asahigroup-holdings

Askul Corp. TPRM report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/アスクル（株）

"id": "asaアスク1771086241",
"linkid": "asahigroup-holdings, アスクル（株）",
"type": "Ransomware",
"date": "1/2025",
"severity": "100",
"impact": "5",
"explanation": "Attack threatening the organization's existence"

{'affected_entities': [{'location': 'Japan',
                        'name': 'Asahi Group',
                        'type': 'corporation'},
                       {'location': 'Japan',
                        'name': 'Askul Corp.',
                        'type': 'corporation'}],
 'description': 'The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has reported a sharp '
                'rise in cyberattacks targeting major Japanese corporations, '
                'disrupting supply chains and critical operations. Companies '
                'like Asahi Group and Askul Corp. have faced severe '
                'disruptions, with attacks forcing distribution systems '
                'offline and halting retail operations. The incidents '
                'highlight vulnerabilities exacerbated by remote work trends '
                'and increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics, including '
                'AI-driven automation.',
 'impact': {'brand_reputation_impact': 'threatens profitability and customer '
                                       'trust',
            'operational_impact': 'severe disruptions',
            'systems_affected': ['distribution systems', 'retail operations']},
 'lessons_learned': 'Vulnerabilities exacerbated by remote work trends and '
                    'increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics, including '
                    'AI-driven automation. Cybersecurity is now a critical '
                    'factor in maintaining economic stability.',
 'recommendations': 'Bolster defenses to keep pace with growing digital '
                    'dependence and cyber threats.',
 'references': [{'source': 'Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department'}],
 'title': 'Cyberattacks Surge in Japan as Ransomware Cases Hit Record Highs',
 'type': 'ransomware'}