A devastating cyberattack hit one of Japan’s largest food companies, disrupting logistics and shipments. The company is gradually restoring operations, but the full impact of the attack is still unclear. Here's what we know about the incident so far.
This month, one of Japan's largest food companies, Nichirei Corporation, was hit by a devastating cyberattack that disrupted its logistics and shipments, causing significant system outages and affecting various industries. The attack, which occurred on July 13, 2026, was confirmed to have been carried out by a cyberattack targeting the company's servers.
Nichirei Corporation, founded in 1942 and headquartered in Tokyo, operates globally through dozens of subsidiaries. The company is best known for its frozen food business and has a significant presence in various markets around the world. However, despite its size and reputation, Nichirei Corporation fell victim to a sophisticated cyberattack that exposed its systems to potential threats.
The investigation into the breach revealed that some of the affected servers contained personal information, raising concerns about the possibility of data breaches. In response, the company set up an emergency response headquarters and has been conducting investigations and taking measures toward recovery. Nichirei Corporation has also notified Japan's Personal Information Protection Commission and will continue its investigation if any data leakage is confirmed.
As a result of the cyberattack, Nichirei Corporation disconnected group systems on July 13, disrupting refrigerated warehouse operations and frozen food shipments. The company plans to gradually restore affected operations starting from July 17, after working with external cybersecurity experts. Despite the efforts of the company, it is still unclear when its operations will get fully back to normal.
The cyberattack has had significant repercussions for Nichirei Corporation, including system outages that are affecting restaurant chains, major retailers, delivery services, and other businesses that rely on the company. The attack has also raised concerns about the potential financial impact of the breach, with the company currently assessing its effects.
In a statement released by the company, it was confirmed that the investigation found that some of the affected servers stored personal information. Accordingly, Nichirei Corporation has submitted an initial report to the Personal Information Protection Commission as a matter involving the possibility of leakage. The company will continue its investigation and, should any leakage be confirmed, will promptly report the matter to the relevant parties.
The incident highlights the importance of cybersecurity for large companies like Nichirei Corporation, which operates globally and has significant dependencies on its systems. The attack also emphasizes the need for effective measures to prevent and respond to cyberattacks, particularly in industries that rely heavily on technology.