Cases of logistics disruptions caused by cyberattacks have followed one after another, while the impact of geopolitical risks that drive up raw material prices has also been highlighted. Companies are expected to improve visibility across their entire supply chains and strengthen their countermeasures.
This article examines supply chain risks from two perspectives and explains the impact of cyber risks and geopolitical and disaster risks on corporate activities. It emphasizes that companies may be affected through business partners or logistics providers even when they themselves have not suffered damage.
As examples of cyberattack risks, the article states that shipping operations at Nichirei Group’s refrigerated warehouses were disrupted in July 2026, that a ransomware attack on ASKUL in October 2025 affected shipments, and that Asahi Group Holdings was also affected in September 2025. It also points to the increasing cost burden resulting from these attacks.
From a geopolitical risk perspective, developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are said to be a factor driving up the prices of resources such as crude oil, LNG and naphtha, as well as transportation costs. Natural disasters and changes in trade policy are also cited as potential sources of impact.
Key elements of supply chain risk management include improving visibility, from raw material suppliers through logistics providers; assessing business-partner risks, including information security, business continuity planning, disaster preparedness and regional risks; eliminating single-source dependencies; and strengthening business continuity planning.
Specific preparations proposed include visualizing risks across the entire supply chain, including business partners, securing alternative routes, establishing cyber business continuity plans, and developing training and response plans. The article also introduces the support provided by the company that wrote the column.