KP Snacks Hit by Cyber-attack

Brits could be facing a snack lack subsequent a cyber-attack on 169-calendar year-previous foods producer KP Snacks. 

The German-owned maker of KP Nuts, Hula Hoops, Choc Dips, Nik Naks and Butterkist popcorn was targeted by danger actors on Friday. After getting entry to the firm’s network, hackers deployed ransomware and took the snack maker’s facts hostage.

“As soon as we became aware of the incident, we enacted our cybersecurity response plan and engaged a major forensic info technology business and authorized counsel to assist us in our investigation,” claimed the British-based mostly company, which is regarded internationally for its potato chips sold underneath brands that contain McCoy’s, Tyrrell’s and POM-BEAR.

KP Treats, which is owned by Intersnack, reported that its inner IT teams are performing with 3rd-party authorities to assess the problem.

Consumers seeking their favourite treats could go dwelling disappointed as the web site Greater Retailing, which 1st printed news of the attack, described that vendors experienced been warned by KP Treats of delays to deliveries. 

According to a letter despatched out to shop homeowners and published by Better Retailing, KP Snacks “cannot safely and securely approach orders or dispatch goods” mainly because of the cyber-attack.

Disruptions including late deliveries and cancellations could plague the snack maker “right up until the conclusion of March at the earliest”. 

“While this is triggering some disruption to our producing and shipping and delivery processes, we are by now operating on plans to keep our solutions stocked and on cabinets,” mentioned the business in a statement. 

“We have been continuing to keep our workers, customers, and suppliers educated of any developments and apologize for any disruption this may well have induced.”

BBC News reported that cyber-criminals have printed on the dark net what surface to be particular files from KP Snacks staff members, that includes the firm letterhead. The post threatened to publish much more information until a ransom was compensated.

Keiron Holyome, vice president UK, Ireland, and Middle East, at BlackBerry, commented: “This attack on KP Snacks underscores that the global cyber risk similarly applies to British institutions and their provide chains, with KP Treats now predicting shortages right after a ransomware attack.

“It does not matter whether or not it is logistics, gas or food–these offer chains current distinctive and complicated issues from a cybersecurity perspective.”

Some sections of this article are sourced from:
www.infosecurity-journal.com