Honda shuts down auto plant in Japan after WannaCry virus hits computer network

TOKYO (Reuters) – Honda Motor Co 7267.T said on Wednesday it had shut down production at a national auto plant for a day this week after finding the WannaCry ransomware that hit the world last month in its computer network.

The automaker halted production on Monday at its plant in Sayama, northwest of Tokyo, which produces models such as the Accord sedan, Odyssey Minivan and the compact utility vehicle Step Wagon and has a daily production of around 1,000 vehicles.

Honda found on Sunday that the virus had affected networks in Japan, North America, Europe, China and other regions, a spokeswoman said, despite efforts to secure its systems in the mid- May when the virus caused widespread disruption in factories, hospitals and stores around the world. .

Production at other factories operated by the automaker was not affected and regular operations resumed at the Sayama plant on Tuesday, she said.

The spread of the WannaCry ransomware that has locked down more than 200,000 computers in more than 150 countries has slowed since last month, but security experts have warned that new versions of the worm could strike.

Competing manufacturers Renault SA RENA.PA and Nissan Motor Co 7201.T were also hit by the virus last month, when auto alliance companies halted production at factories in Japan, Britain, France, Romania and India.