In a significant disruption for consumers in Oita Prefecture, all stores of Tokiwa Industry were temporarily closed on March 31, 2025, following a cyber attack that targeted the company's servers. The attack, identified as ransomware, has rendered critical systems for product ordering, receiving, and sales aggregation unusable, leading to widespread operational challenges.
The incident began on March 30, 2025, around 1:00 PM, when employees detected a malfunction in the product ordering system. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that multiple servers within the Tokiwa Group had been compromised by ransomware, leading to immediate action to safeguard the company’s operations.
As a result of this cyber attack, all 23 Tokiwa Industry stores, including the popular Tokiwa Beppu Store and the food corner located in Wasada Town, were forced to shut their doors to customers. The company announced that they are working diligently to address the situation, although they have not provided a specific timeline for when operations might resume. Currently, there is no prospect for the stores to reopen, and the company is in the process of restoring their systems.
Despite the severity of the attack, Tokiwa Industry has reassured customers that personal information belonging to both customers and employees was not stored on the compromised servers. Consequently, no data leakage has been confirmed at this time, which may offer some peace of mind to those affected by the store closures.
Tokiwa Industry is actively collaborating with local law enforcement to investigate the cyber attack and to facilitate the recovery of their systems. The company aims to restore operations by April 1, 2025, although this will depend on the successful resolution of the technical issues stemming from the ransomware incident.
Cybersecurity experts have raised concerns about the increasing frequency and sophistication of ransomware attacks, which can cripple businesses and lead to significant financial losses. Tokiwa Group's experience highlights the vulnerabilities that companies face in the digital age and the critical importance of maintaining robust cybersecurity measures.
The impact of this attack extends beyond just the immediate closures. Local consumers who rely on Tokiwa Industry for their grocery needs are now left scrambling for alternatives, as the stores are a staple in the community. The closures could also have a ripple effect on suppliers and employees, many of whom depend on the business for their livelihoods.
As Tokiwa Industry works to resolve the situation, the company has emphasized its commitment to customer service and transparency. They have pledged to keep the public informed as developments unfold and to take all necessary steps to prevent future incidents.
This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that businesses face in an increasingly digital world. As ransomware attacks become more common, it underscores the necessity for companies to invest in cybersecurity and to have contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact of such attacks.
In the wake of the attack, many in the community are expressing their concerns about the safety of their personal information and the reliability of local businesses. As the investigation continues, Tokiwa Industry's response and recovery efforts will be closely monitored by both the public and industry experts.
In conclusion, while Tokiwa Industry aims to reopen its doors soon, the incident raises broader questions about cybersecurity and the resilience of businesses in the face of evolving digital threats. As the company navigates this challenging situation, its actions will likely influence public trust and the future operations of similar businesses in the region.
