Cyberattack on HIKARI SEIKO: Sensitive Data Allegedly Stolen
The Qilin hacker group has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack against HIKARI SEIKO, a leading Japanese auto parts manufacturer operating since 1947. The attackers allege they have stolen over 500GB of sensitive corporate data from the company’s systems.
Allegedly Stolen Data
- Internal documents and emails
- Confidential blueprints and manufacturing data
- Financial records, including cost and pricing details
- Employee databases and personal information
- Client data, including details related to BYD, Ford, and Honda
Qilin’s Claims and Threats
According to the hacker group, HIKARI SEIKO has:
- Ignored multiple attempts at contact, allegedly refusing to negotiate.
- Failed to report the incident, keeping stakeholders uninformed.
- Weak security infrastructure, which made the attack possible.
- Risked full exposure, as Qilin has threatened to publicly release the stolen data.
As proof of their breach, Qilin has leaked five sample images and claims to possess 332,535 files from the company’s internal systems.
The Growing Threat to Automotive Supply Chains
This incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of automotive manufacturers and their global supply chains. Automotive companies have become prime targets for cybercriminals due to their:
- Highly valuable intellectual property (IP), including proprietary designs.
- Complex vendor relationships with multinational clients.
- Reliance on connected industrial systems, making them susceptible to ransomware and data breaches.
The Growing Threat to Automotive Supply Chains
This incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of automotive manufacturers and their global supply chains. Automotive companies have become prime targets for cybercriminals due to their:
- Highly valuable intellectual property (IP), including proprietary designs.
- Complex vendor relationships with multinational clients.
- Reliance on connected industrial systems, making them susceptible to ransomware and data breaches.
Key Security Takeaways for Manufacturers
- Supply Chain Security – Ensuring that third-party vendors follow strict cybersecurity protocols.
- Zero Trust Network Segmentation – Restricting unauthorized access to critical manufacturing data.
- Incident Response Plans – Establishing a clear data breach notification process.
- Proactive Threat Intelligence – Monitoring hacker forums for potential pre-breach chatter.
With the threat of full data exposure looming, HIKARI SEIKO’s response in the coming days will be critical in mitigating the potential impact on clients, partners, and employees.
