A recent ransomware attack on Peter Green Chilled, a distributor to major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Aldi, highlights the growing cybersecurity threats faced by smaller logistics firms.
A recent ransomware attack on Peter Green Chilled, a distributor to major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Aldi, highlights the challenges faced by smaller logistics firms in the face of growing cybersecurity threats.
Cybersecurity threats refer to malicious attacks on computer systems, 'malicious attacks' , networks, and data.
These threats can be categorized into two main types: external and internal.
External threats come from outside the organization, such as hacking groups or malware, while internal threats are caused by authorized personnel with 'malicious intent' .
Common cybersecurity threats include phishing, ransomware, and SQL injection.
According to a report, 60% of small businesses experience cyber attacks each year.
Regular software updates and employee education can help mitigate these risks.
Peter Green Chilled confirmed that the cyber attack happened on Wednesday evening, but its managing director, Tom Binks, said the transport activities of the business had continued unaffected throughout the incident. However, one of its customers, Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, founder of Black Farmer, warned that thousands of his products could go to waste if they don’t reach the retailers in time.
The attack is not an isolated incident, and industry sources say that smaller logistics firms are being increasingly targeted by hackers due to their relatively small size compared to larger food distributors. Phil Pluck, chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation, said that the warehousing, food storage, and distribution sectors are ‘constantly under attack’, with about half of the food consumed in the UK going through these critical supply chains.
Hackers are individuals who use their technical skills to access, manipulate, or exploit computer systems and networks.
They can be malicious, using their abilities for personal gain or sabotage, or benevolent, using their skills to identify vulnerabilities and improve system security.
According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cost of cybercrime is projected to reach $6 trillion by 2021.
Hackers often use social engineering tactics, such as phishing and pretexting, to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Cyber attacks are becoming more common in the retail sector, with recent major attacks on Marks & Spencer and Co-op exposing customer data and causing shortages of stock. Sian John, chief technology officer at tech security firm NCC Group, said that threats from hackers are ‘not confined to high-profile retailers or major brands’ but also exist in the links that connect them.
The increasing pressure on smaller logistics firms to pay ransom demands is a significant challenge for these companies. With no orders being processed on Thursday and products at risk of going to waste, Peter Green Chilled‘s situation highlights the need for more robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such attacks.
A ransomware attack occurs when hackers encrypt a victim’s data and lock them out of computer systems, demanding payment to hand back control. The email sent by Peter Green Chilled confirmed that it had been the victim of a ransomware attack, but its managing director refused to discuss further details.
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim's files or locks their device, demanding a ransom in exchange for the decryption key.
It typically spreads through phishing emails, infected software downloads, or exploited vulnerabilities.
According to recent statistics, ransomware attacks have increased by 300% in the past two years, with an average loss per incident of $160,000.
Victims can recover from ransomware attacks by having regular backups and using robust cybersecurity measures.
For companies like Peter Green Chilled, which supply major supermarkets, cyber attacks can have significant consequences. With products at risk of going to waste and thousands of pounds worth of product being wasted, it’s clear that the impact of such an attack can be devastating.
