Officials in Japan announced that the country’s biggest maritime port was crippled by alleged Russian cyberattack that, disrupted cargo while operators did everything they could to get its computers back online.
“Ransomware,” writes according to a report, “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 Tuesday morning, the Nagoya Harbor Transportation Authority said Wednesday. The authority said operations are expected to resume Thursday at 8:30 a.m. local time.
As Asian ports move toward more automation, removing paper documentation from their processes, hackers have increasingly threatened the region’s shipping networks.
The port of Nagoya in central Japan, where Toyota exports most of its cars, was hit by a ransomware attack on Tuesday morning and was unable to load and unload containers from trailers, according to Reuters.
The port had partially resumed cargo operations by Thursday afternoon, a half-day later than initially anticipated, but will not be fully functional until evening, the Nagoya Harbor Transportation Authority said.
Toyota said it will decide whether to resume operations at the packaging plant based on the port’s operational status. At this point, the automaker foresees no immediate impact on operations at its overseas vehicle plants.
The Port of Nagoya is one of Japan’s major seaports and serves as a vital hub for international trade and commerce. Located on the Pacific coast in central Japan, the port is strategically positioned to connect with major shipping routes, making it an essential gateway for both imports and exports. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including automobiles, machinery, chemicals, and containers.
Renowned for its impressive size and capacity, the port boasts extensive facilities, including multiple container terminals, specialized berths for automobile transportation, and modern storage areas. These installations can accommodate large container ships and bulk carriers, enabling the a substantial volume of large cargo. Additionally, the port offers efficient customs procedures and advanced technologies, ensuring smooth operations and timely processing of goods, make it a crucial economic engine for the region, fostering international trade and contributing significantly to Japan’s overall economy.
Toyota said that the production of finished cars should not be affected by the delay. Authorities have said that the port’s computer systems are finally back up and running.
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