Askul Corp., one of Japan’s leading e-commerce retailers, has confirmed that a portion of the information in its possession has been leaked externally following a major cyberattack. The company announced this morning on its official website that it is continuing to contact affected customers and business partners as part of its ongoing response.
Askul’s websites are scheduled to fully reopen with strengthened security measures once system stability is ensured. The company also stated that it plans to gradually increase shipments as operations return to normal.
The incident stems from a ransomware attack on October 19, which forced Askul to halt its e-commerce operations. The attackers deployed ransomware – malware that encrypts data and demands payment for its release – and caused a widespread system failure across Askul’s online platforms.
The perpetrators have reportedly stolen about 1.1 terabytes of data, including customer information, and have threatened to release the stolen files on the dark web.
The cyberattack has had a ripple effect across Japan’s retail sector, disrupting not only Askul but also numerous companies that rely on Askul’s logistics infrastructure for online delivery. This includes major retailers such as Ryohin Keikaku Co., The Loft Co., and Sogo & Seibu Co.
