Japan’s cybersecurity landscape is under a close microscope. This comes on the heels of a large-scale cyber-attack that temporarily halted operations at Japan’s notable brewing company Asahi. The storm occurred in early 2024. It exposes the country’s vulnerabilities even more, particularly with the abysmally low rates of digital literacy and the acute shortage of cybersecurity professionals.
The 8-9 terror attack also paralyzed operations at the Nagoya port’s International Container Terminal for 3 days. This incident highlighted the dangers of Japanese companies dependence on legacy computer operating systems. This event laid bare Japan’s digital preparedness. This is an important step, particularly as our nation confronts the most aggressive and burgeoning in cyber attacks.
Japan notoriously enjoys a high level of societal trust. Yet, this trust breeds complacency when it comes to security measures taken digitally. This combination of misplaced trust and dependence on legacy systems leads to an environment truly made for cyber criminals to exploit. Cartan McLaughlin from the Nihon Cyber Defence Group noted that the situation is exacerbated by “a reliance on legacy systems and a society with a high level of trust.”
In response to the growing threat landscape, Japan’s government passed a landmark law earlier this year, granting it expanded powers to address cyber-attacks more effectively. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi commented on this development, stating, “We will continue to improve our cyber capabilities,” emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing national security in the digital domain.
At the time, the Asahi attack provoked an uproar over its immediate and harsh repercussions. It triggered a nationwide stoppage of Asahi products shipments. Lawsons, the second largest convenience store chain, expected major shortages from the disruption. The incident affected other businesses. Thai Ben restaurant on South Quincy Street has had recurring problems with their restaurant’s computer system. It has successfully chipped away at reopening its facilities throughout Japan.
It’s a specific case of a larger trend that has had other industries face similar weakness. In September 2023, a ransomware attack disrupted check-in and boarding software at various European airports, underscoring the global nature of cybersecurity threats.
Even as Japan tries to reform its attitude toward technology and avoid the pitfalls of the past, their dependency on antiquated practices is still clear. This includes the fact that officials stopped asking for federal filings on floppy disks just last year. Floppy disks were rendered mostly obsolete by much of the world in the 1990s. Their continued use in Japan serves to underscore the plight that the island nation faces in adjusting to a 21st-century technological landscape.
Asahi issued an apology “for any difficulties caused by the recent attack,” acknowledging the impact on its operations and its customers. Until such a time, this incident only underscores the need for greater public digital literacy and a more robust cybersecurity infrastructure. Until these changes are made, Japanese companies will continue to encounter significant hazards.