Cyberattack Forces Askul to Halt Office Equipment Orders and Shipments
Japanese office equipment retailer Askul has halted orders and shipments due to a cyberattack that caused system failures. The incident was confirmed on Sunday, prompting urgent efforts to restore services and investigate potential breaches of personal information.
Impact of the Cyberattack on Askul
The cyberattack, identified as a ransomware incident, has led to the suspension of order receipts on the Askul e-commerce website. Ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts data and demands payment for access. In a public statement, Askul expressed sincere apologies to its customers and stakeholders for the disruption.
Retail Partners Affected
- In addition to Askul, Ryohin Keikaku, the parent company of the Muji brand, faced operational challenges.
- Muji’s website was temporarily taken down, affecting the availability of household products.
Service Details and Future Steps
Askul has also suspended order processing for its Lohaco services, aimed at individual consumers, and its Soloel Arena services targeted at business clients. Orders placed after the suspension will be canceled.
Currently, it remains unclear when Ryohin Keikaku’s Muji website will be operational again. Both companies are working diligently to address the situation and ensure the security of customer data.
