Toyota's Domestic Production Disrupted After Possible Cyberattack
The Facts
Toyota announced it would halt domestic automotive production on Tues but resume Wed following a possible cyberattack on its parts supplier, Kojima Industries.
Kojima Industries produces metal, plastic, and electronic components.
The Spin
Narrative A
This is just the latest chapter in Toyota's recent production woes, with the pandemic and Canadian trucker protests already stressing the company's supply chains. It may be too early to definitively point the finger at Russia for this latest interruption, but the timing certainly looks suspicious.
Narrative B
The real issue is systemic failures. Japan's approach to hackers is disjointed, which is a big problem for the country's extensive, interconnected supply chain. Large companies have cyber security measures in place, but small and mid-level subcontractors remain vulnerable.
Narrative C
The world is bracing for a global cyber war as the digital battlefield expands in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Disruptions to infrastructure and supply chains worldwide are only likely to increase.
