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Toyota has halted production of its cars at all of its factories in Japan, following a cyber attack on a major supplier, according to reports.
“Due to a system failure of a local supplier (Kojima), we have decided to suspend the operation of 28 lines at 14 factories in Japan, today, Tuesday, March 1,” Toyota wrote on its global website.
The supplier Kojima provides exterior and interior parts for Toyota vehicles, including components used in the air conditioning system and steering wheel.
The cyber attack affected the manufacturing system within Toyota, specifically related to the delivery of parts before they are directly installed in cars so that they do not have to be stored.
While Toyota did not explicitly mention on its website the occurrence of a cyber attack, its supplier Kojima confirmed the problem, as one of its officials told the Nikkei: “It is true that we have been subjected to a type of cyber attack, and we are still confirming the damage and we are quick to respond. With the highest priority given to resuming the Toyota production system as soon as possible,” according to the Engadget website.
Two other Toyota partners, including truck maker Hino Motors and Daihatsu Motor, have reportedly been infected.
The origins of the cyber attack, the type of malware, and other details were not disclosed.
Toyota did not say when it expects to restart manufacturing lines, but it was reported that the Japanese government was involved in the investigation.
