Bajaj Auto Reports Ransomware Attack, Says Operations Safeguarded After Swift Response

Bajaj Auto has disclosed that it was hit by a ransomware attack on June 23, becoming the latest major Indian manufacturer to face a cyber security threat amid rising attacks on industrial and automotive companies.

In a regulatory filing on Tuesday, the Pune-based two-wheeler and three-wheeler maker said the cyber incident affected its own systems as well as those of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bajaj Auto Technology Ltd. The attack occurred at around 8 am IST.

The company said its technical teams, management and external cyber security experts immediately initiated precautionary measures and response protocols to contain the incident.

"These measures have so far been successful," Bajaj Auto said, adding that it had reported the incident to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in accordance with regulatory requirements.

The company did not disclose the nature of the ransomware attack, whether any data was compromised, or if manufacturing, sales, supply chain or customer-facing operations were disrupted.

The incident highlights the increasing cyber security risks facing automakers as vehicles, factories and supply chains become more digitally connected.

Modern automotive companies rely heavily on enterprise software systems for manufacturing operations, inventory management, vendor coordination, product development and dealer networks. A successful ransomware attack can potentially disrupt production schedules, halt logistics operations or compromise sensitive business information.

Over the past few years, ransomware groups have increasingly targeted manufacturing companies globally, viewing them as attractive targets because production disruptions can translate into significant financial losses.

Bajaj Auto said the disclosure was being made in accordance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, and as a matter of good governance.