Ransomware attack cripples Japan’s biggest port, delaying cargo

JAPAN’S biggest maritime port was crippled by a cyberattack, disrupting cargo as operators rushed to prevent a wider delay in shipments.

Ransomware – used by hackers to lock access to files or systems unless a payment is made – caused a container terminal at the Port of Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture to suffer an outage on Tuesday morning, the Nagoya Harbor Transportation Authority said on Wednesday (Jul 5). The authority said operations are expected to resume Thursday at 8.30 am local time.

Nagoya isn’t the first major port to be recently targeted by malware, as the increasing automation of facilities and ships heightens the risk of cyberattacks that can disrupt supply chains.

Last Christmas, hackers broke into the computer systems at Portugal’s Port of Lisbon, holding up operations for days. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, India’s busiest container port, also suffered a ransomware attack last year. 

Toyota Motor, the world’s biggest carmaker by units sold, said the attack in Nagoya on Tuesday won’t affect the shipment of new cars yet, but imported and exported parts cannot be loaded or unloaded at the port until the problem is resolved. Currently, there is no impact on production, a spokesperson said.

Authorities in Japan say such attacks are on the rise. Last year, a cyberattack on one of Toyota’s suppliers in Aichi Prefecture forced it to halt operations at 14 factories. BLOOMBERG