Honda factories hit by cyber attack

Honda computers in several countries affected by ransomware

Honda has been the target of a cyber attack. Computer servers, email systems, and other internal programs were affected by a virus that has spread throughout its network, forcing the manufacturer to close its manufacturing plants for cars and motorcycles in several countries.

The attack began on Monday, June 8, 2020, when staff noticed they could not access work computers that day.

“Honda can confirm that a cyber attack has taken place on the Honda network,“ a spokesperson told BBC news. "We can also confirm that there is no information breach at this point in time."

“At this time Honda Customer Service and Honda Financial Services are experiencing technical difficulties and are unavailable," Honda Automobile Customer Service UK said in its official twitter account.

Cyber-security experts believe it is a ransomware attack, a targeted attack which allows hackers access to encrypted data or lock Honda out of its IT systems, holding it hostage until an amount can be paid to the hackers. Some go on to suggest Ekans ransomware is being used. Ekans (Snake backwards, or possibly named after the Pokemon) ransomware, is designed to attack industrial control systems networks. The biggest clue is that the attack has forced Honda to put production on hold and send factory workers home.

The attack has affected operations of car factories in North America, Italy, Japan, and Turkey. Also affected were motorcycle factories in India and Brazil. So far, only the UK seems to be suffering similar difficulties with customer service operations. All other aspects of Honda operations around the world, like sales and service, remain unaffected.

The company hopes to resolve the problem and restart operations in the coming days.