Qilin ransomware group claimed responsibility for the cyberattack on Asahi Group, a leading global beer and beverage company, disrupting production at its six beer plants in Japan. Production resumed on October 2, following the initial hack reported on September 29. Asahi Group did not reveal the possible financial impact due to the cyber attack.
Qilin: A Rising Ransomware Threat
Qilin operates as a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platform, enabling affiliates to execute cyberattacks in exchange for a share of the extortion proceeds. The group reportedly posted 29 images on its website showing what it claims are internal Asahi Group documents, Reuters news report said. According to Qilin, the attack resulted in the theft of more than 9,300 files, totaling roughly 27 gigabytes of data. The authenticity of the documents has not yet been verified.
Ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) is a cybercrime business model in which ransomware developers provide their malicious software to affiliates or subscribers in exchange for a share of the ransom payments. Essentially, it allows individuals with limited technical skills to launch sophisticated cyberattacks, while the developers handle the creation, maintenance, and updates of the ransomware.
At this time, there is no publicly available information indicating whether Qilin has received any ransom payment from Asahi Group to facilitate the resumption of its operations. It remains unclear if the brewery’s ability to restart production at its six Japanese plants on October 2 was linked to negotiations with the ransomware group or if it was achieved solely through internal cybersecurity measures and recovery efforts.
Global Impact of Qilin Attacks
Since emerging in 2022, Qilin has claimed responsibility for nearly 870 cyberattacks worldwide, according to cybercrime research platform eCrime.ch. Notably, the group was behind the June 2024 hack of British diagnostic services provider Synnovis. That attack reportedly contributed to the death of a London hospital patient in June 2025, highlighting the real-world consequences of ransomware attacks on critical industries.
Cybersecurity Implications
This incident underscores the growing threat of ransomware attacks against global corporations. Experts warn that such attacks can not only disrupt operations but also compromise sensitive data, affecting both corporate and public safety. Companies worldwide are urged to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses and prepare incident response plans to mitigate risks from ransomware-as-a-service platforms like Qilin.
The Qilin ransomware attack on Asahi Group highlights the increasing sophistication and reach of cybercriminal networks. With stolen data potentially exposed and production disruptions affecting the company, this case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of cybersecurity in protecting global supply chains and corporate assets.
Rajani Baburajan
