Japanese office equipment supplier Askul Corp. has temporarily halted all order receipts and shipments after falling victim to a ransomware attack that disrupted its e-commerce platforms. The company is actively working to restore services and assess the full impact of the breach.
Impact on Services and Customers
The cyberattack, detected on Sunday, affected Askul’s main website as well as its affiliated services, including Lohaco for individual consumers and Soloel Arena for business clients. As a precaution, all pending orders have been canceled while the company investigates potential exposure of personal and customer data.
The disruption extends to Ryohin Keikaku Co., operator of the Muji brand, which relies on Askul’s logistics services. Muji has suspended its online store, preventing customers from purchasing products until Askul resolves the issue.
Company Response and Cybersecurity Measures
Askul has issued an apology for the inconvenience caused and emphasized that restoring services is its top priority. The company is working closely with cybersecurity experts to contain the attack and prevent future incidents.
As of now, there is no confirmed information regarding the perpetrators, ransom demands, or whether Askul plans to pay any ransom. Updates are expected as investigations continue.
Growing Cybersecurity Challenges in Retail
The attack highlights the increasing cybersecurity risks faced by retail and e-commerce companies in Japan. Experts warn that such incidents can disrupt supply chains, affect consumer trust, and pose challenges to data protection compliance.
