Crisps and nuts shortage likely after cyber attack on KP Snacks
The company confirmed it was the victim of a ransomware attack
KP Snacks was the victim of a cyber attack recently which could result in a shortage of their popular products in UK stores.
The company whose products include, Hula Hoops, McCoy's and KP Nuts, has warned the ransomware attack could lead to “issues in the supply of products in its range”.
Better Retailing, a retail industry news outlet, has stated that KP Snacks sent messages to shops, warning that deliveries could be delayed or cancelled because of the attack, the disruption could last until at least the end of March, and that it could not safely process orders or dispatch goods.
KP Snacks apologised for disruption
KP Snacks said they are continuing to assess the situation and apologised for any disruptions. The company also said “As soon as we became aware of the incident, we enacted our cybersecurity response plan and engaged a leading forensic information technology firm and legal counsel to assist us in our investigation".
The company added they continue “to keep our colleagues, customers and suppliers informed of any developments and apologise for any disruption this may have caused."
A ransomware is a form of cyber attack which encrypts files locking data on a user’s computer. Often the attacker will demand payment in order to unlock the computer.
Ransomware attacks have been used in a number of high-profile cases recently, including an attack on the NHS in 2017.
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre head, Lindy Cameron has warned of the growing threat of ransomware attacks, saying it "presents the most immediate danger to UK businesses and most other organisations".