K Line has confirmed that the company has suffered a “data security incident” at the offices of one of its overseas subsidiaries.
However, the Japanese shipowner did not divulge where the incident happened or whether the incident was carried out by cyber criminals. The company also declined to identify the type of information that may have been compromised.
“We have confirmed that there was unauthorised access to overseas subsidiary systems, and we are aware that information and data alleged to have been acquired from overseas subsidiary system was published recently,” K Line said in a statement.
The shipowner said it had “engaged outside experts” who are currently conducting investigations on the authenticity of such information and the details of the facts.
“We offer our sincerest apologies for any complications and concerns that this may bring to our potentially impacted customers and stakeholders,” K Line added.
The shipowner said it has already confirmed the security and safety of the systems, and that there is “no indication that the unauthorised access continues”.
“We are making our upmost effort to resolve the incident through coordination and cooperation with the relevant authorities,” K Line said.
Worldwide, data breaches are thought to be responsible for $400bn in losses every year.
Some of shipping industry’s biggest names have suffered breaches over the years including Clarksons in 2018, while last year CMA CGM suspected that a cyber-attack affecting its servers led to a data breach.
