Japan’s Keio Railway Hit by Ransomware Attack, Disrupting Business Systems
Keio Corporation, one of Japan’s major private railway operators, has confirmed that its network was compromised in a ransomware attack over the weekend. The incident disrupted some of the company’s business systems and forced Keio to shut down its network to prevent further damage.
The attack appears to have affected only the hospitality side of Keio’s business, leaving train operations unaffected. However, local media outlets have reported that the cyberattack disrupted the firm’s payment systems, causing potential delays for customers using various services. In a statement, Keio confirmed that it had reported the incident to the police and was working with external experts to investigate the extent of the damage.
Keio is one of Japan’s largest railway operators, with 85 kilometers of track and 69 stations, as well as a hospitality business comprising 25 hotels. The company has over 2,200 employees and an annual revenue of around $2.6 billion. The ransomware attack raises concerns about the potential impact on Keio’s operations and customer data.
Interestingly, this incident comes shortly after Tokyo Metro disclosed a separate cyberattack that compromised 59,000 member email addresses. While both companies are Japanese railway operators, it is unclear whether they were targeted in a coordinated campaign by the same threat actor. Tokyo Metro has already identified and closed the security weakness exploited by attackers, but the incident highlights the ongoing risk of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.
The lack of any ransomware group claiming responsibility for the attack on Keio raises questions about the motivations behind the attack. It is possible that the attackers are using a new or unknown strain of ransomware, or may be testing their capabilities without publicizing the incident.
In light of this and other recent incidents, it’s essential for organizations to remain vigilant and proactive in defending against ransomware attacks. This includes implementing robust security measures, such as regular backups, network segmentation, and employee education on phishing and social engineering tactics. By doing so, companies can minimize the impact of a potential cyberattack and prevent disruptions to their operations.
As we continue to see an increase in sophisticated cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, it’s crucial for organizations to stay ahead of the threat landscape. By adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity and staying informed about the latest threats and trends, businesses can protect themselves against the growing risk of ransomware attacks.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-09-28