Global tire manufacturer Bridgestone has confirmed a cyberattack that disrupted operations at several manufacturing facilities in North America, raising concerns about potential supply chain impacts. While the company assures that the breach was contained early, questions remain about the scale and nature of the incident.
The attack, disclosed on September 2, 2025, initially affected Bridgestone’s production sites in Aiken County, South Carolina, followed by reports of disruptions at its Joliette facility in Quebec, Canada. Bridgestone Americas (BSA), which manages the company’s North American operations, is conducting a forensic investigation to determine the full scope of the breach.
According to a statement provided by the company, rapid response protocols were activated to contain the incident and prevent deeper network infiltration. The tire giant emphasized that, based on preliminary analysis, no customer data or interfaces were compromised. Bridgestone also highlighted that its IT and cybersecurity teams are working continuously to mitigate risks and restore full operational capacity.
BSA is a critical arm of Bridgestone Corporation, operating 50 production facilities with a workforce of 55,000 employees. In 2024, the division generated $12 billion in sales and $1.2 billion in operating profit, accounting for nearly half of the company’s global footprint. Any prolonged manufacturing disruptions could have a domino effect on tire supply across North America, affecting both consumers and automotive manufacturers.
The company has not yet confirmed whether the incident involved ransomware, a common attack vector in recent years against manufacturing and critical infrastructure. Notably, Bridgestone was previously targeted in 2022 by the LockBit ransomware group, which leaked stolen data from its systems. Given the industry’s history with ransomware gangs exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities, security analysts warn that this could once again be a factor.
Bridgestone stressed that business continuity remains its top priority, with teams working around the clock to minimize fallout. The company acknowledged the possibility of temporary supply chain disruptions but reassured stakeholders that customer obligations remain a central focus.
Conclusion: The cyberattack on Bridgestone serves as another reminder of the growing threats facing global manufacturing. While the company’s swift response may have prevented a deeper crisis, the incident highlights how cybersecurity vulnerabilities in industrial systems can quickly escalate into operational and economic challenges. As Bridgestone continues its investigation, the broader automotive sector will be closely watching how the situation unfolds, particularly if ransomware is confirmed as the root cause.
