Third-Party Cyberattack Halts Muji’s Online Operations, Exposing Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Major Retail Disruption Following Ransomware Attack

Japanese retail giant Muji has been forced to suspend all online orders after a sophisticated ransomware attack crippled operations at its third-party logistics provider Askul Corporation. The incident, which began affecting systems over the weekend, has left customers unable to purchase the brand’s signature minimalist products through online channels, creating a stark contrast to Muji’s typically seamless shopping experience., according to industry news

Major Retail Disruption Following Ransomware Attack
Askul’s Widespread Service Collapse
Broad Impact Across Retail Sector
Critical Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Exposed
Broader Implications for Retail Cybersecurity

The disruption highlights the growing vulnerability of retail supply chains to cyber threats, particularly when relying on third-party vendors for critical operations. Muji confirmed the situation in a statement Sunday, acknowledging that “logistics failures” had paralyzed its online store and subscription services, though the company has not provided any timeline for restoring normal operations.

Askul’s Widespread Service Collapse

Askul, a major Japanese e-commerce and logistics firm serving numerous retail clients, revealed on Tuesday that its systems had suffered a “system failure due to ransomware infection.” The company has suspended virtually all operations while investigating the breach’s full scope, including whether customer data was compromised during the intrusion.

The logistics provider’s service outage extends far beyond order fulfillment, affecting multiple critical functions:, according to market analysis

New user registrations and account management
Product returns and customer service inquiries
Catalog requests and pharmaceutical orders
Customer service hotlines and online support forms

Perhaps most concerning for businesses relying on Askul’s network is the company‘s admission that orders not delivered by October 21 are being canceled “sequentially,” creating significant operational challenges for retailers and disappointment for consumers.

Broad Impact Across Retail Sector

The attack’s ripple effects extend beyond Muji, affecting other major Japanese retailers that depend on Askul’s logistics infrastructure. Loft, a popular household goods retailer, has acknowledged experiencing “service impact” from the cyberattack, while department store chain Sogo & Seibu has suspended online sales of certain merchandise categories due to the disruption., according to market insights

This incident represents the latest in a concerning trend of ransomware attacks targeting Japan’s corporate sector. Earlier this month, Asahi Group Holdings, the nation’s largest brewer, admitted that a cyberattack attributed to the Russian-speaking Qilin gang had disrupted production lines and delayed product launches nationwide., according to industry analysis

Critical Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Exposed

The Muji-Askul situation underscores the inherent risks in modern retail’s dependence on third-party logistics providers. When a single vendor in the supply chain experiences a cybersecurity incident, the consequences can propagate rapidly across multiple retailers and their customer bases., as covered previously

Neither company has disclosed which ransomware group is responsible for the attack or whether any ransom demands have been made. The absence of any major cybercrime group claiming responsibility suggests the investigation remains in early stages, though the comprehensive nature of the service disruption indicates a severe compromise of Askul’s operational systems.

Both organizations have issued public apologies emphasizing humility but lacking specific details about remediation efforts. Askul has committed to providing updates “as soon as we understand” the incident’s full scope, while Muji has thanked customers for their patience as restoration work continues.

Broader Implications for Retail Cybersecurity

This incident serves as a stark reminder that in an interconnected retail ecosystem, a company’s cybersecurity is only as strong as its weakest vendor link. The attack demonstrates how cybercriminals are increasingly targeting supply chain partners as potential entry points to multiple organizations, maximizing disruption from a single compromise.

For now, consumers seeking Muji’s famously calming aesthetic must find their Zen elsewhere, perhaps in patiently waiting for the retailer to restore its digital storefront and the supply chain to regain its rhythm.

Reference: Muji Service Impact Notice | Askul Official Statement