A disruptive ransomware attack on Blue Yonder, a supply chain management software provider for major retailers, consumer product companies, and manufacturers, underscores the increased risk that organizations face during the busy holiday season.
On November 21, Blue Yonder was targeted in an attack that impacted its infrastructure hosting various managed services for customers, including some of the top manufacturers, consumer goods makers, and retailers globally.
Major UK Supermarket Chains Hit in Cyberattack
Reports indicate that major UK supermarket chains like Morrisons and Sainsbury’s were significantly impacted by the attack, affecting the delivery of goods to stores across the UK.
In the US, Starbucks also reported disruptions due to the attack, specifically impacting back-end processes related to scheduling and time-tracking.
Following the attack, Blue Yonder disclosed that it was actively addressing the situation with the help of cybersecurity experts to recover its systems and enhance security measures.
Ripple Effect From Blue Yonder Hack
The aftermath of the Blue Yonder attack mirrors similar supply chain attacks in recent times, highlighting the impact of targeting trusted software providers.
Research shows that ransomware attacks often occur during holidays and weekends when IT staffing levels may be reduced, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cybersecurity vigilance at all times.
Opening the Door to Cyberattacks
Maintaining consistent cybersecurity measures, even during holidays and weekends, is crucial to prevent ransomware attacks and ensure operational resilience.
It is recommended that organizations maintain adequate staffing levels during holidays and weekends to bolster their defenses against cyber threats.
User training, regular backups, and tested disaster recovery plans are essential safeguards against cybercriminals and ransomware operators, particularly during the holiday season.
