Japanese optics company Hoya says cyber incident affected production

Hoya Corporation, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of lenses and other optical gear, said on Thursday that a possible breach of its systems has affected some production plants and the ordering system for some products.

The Tokyo-based company said that on March 30 it discovered an “IT system incident” in an overseas office and “engaged external forensic investigators who reported that this incident was most likely caused by unauthorized access to our servers by a third party.”

Recorded Future News has asked Hoya whether ransomware was the cause. The company did not immediately respond. The company previously reported a ransomware attack in 2021, and a malware infection at a plant in 2019.  

Hoya said it isolated failed servers and “reported the matter to the relevant authorities in the affected countries.” The company did not specify the location of the disrupted facilities.

Employing more than 36,000 people in more than 30 countries and regions, Hoyathe company reported revenue of about $5.5 billion for 2023.

“While the full effects, extent and nature of the incident continue to be investigated, the systems for some production plants and the ordering system for several products have been affected,” Hoya said. “The Company is making every effort to respond to customer demand and minimize the impact on our customers to the greatest extent possible.”

Hoya said it hasn’t yet determined if any confidential or personal information has been compromised.

“The impact of this matter on our business performance is not known at this time, but we will promptly disclose the impact of this matter on our business performance, if any, as soon as it arises,” the company said.

Hoya is known for eyeglass and contact lenses, medical endoscopes and the replacement lenses used during cataract surgery.

Large Japanese companies have reported a steady stream of cybersecurity incidents over the past year. The victims have included Fujitsu, Japan Aviation Electronics, Seiko, Casio, YKK and Eisai.