Introduction
Blue Yonder [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10], a supply chain software and cloud services provider based in Arizona and acquired by Panasonic in 2021, is currently managing the aftermath of a ransomware attack. This incident [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [9] [10], which began on November 21, 2024, has disrupted its managed services in the United Kingdom and the United States, affecting several major clients, including prominent grocery chains and other corporations.
Description
Blue Yonder [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10], an Arizona-based supply chain software and cloud services provider acquired by Panasonic in 2021, is currently addressing a ransomware attack that began on November 21, 2024, disrupting its managed services in both the United Kingdom and the United States. This incident has significantly impacted several key customers, including major grocery chains such as Wm Morrisons Supermarkets Ltd and Sainsbury in the UK, as well as Starbucks. Morrisons reported interruptions in the flow of goods to its nearly 500 stores [1], with the attack affecting its warehouse management system for fresh food and produce [9]. The chain is relying on backup systems to maintain operations [9], while Sainsbury activated contingency plans to manage the situation [1]. Other retailers [6], including Asda [1] [8] [10], also had backup systems in place [6]. In the United States [3] [5], significant grocery chains like Albertsons and Kroger [8], which operate brands such as Safeway, Jewel-Osco [5], Ralphs [5], and Fred Meyer [5], utilize Blue Yonder’s services [5] [7] [8] [10], although the specific impact on these companies remains unclear [2]. Starbucks [2] [6] [7], which relies on Blue Yonder for scheduling and tracking retail workers’ hours in North America [6], has faced outages in its payment and scheduling systems, resorting to using pen and paper for these tasks [6], although customer service and store hours remained unaffected [6]. Other notable corporations utilizing Blue Yonder’s products include Procter & Gamble and Anheuser-Busch [10].
Blue Yonder is collaborating with external cybersecurity experts to investigate the incident and implement recovery measures [1] [9], including defensive and forensic actions to mitigate damage and assess the impact. The company has communicated its commitment to transparency [1], stating that it is making “steady progress” in restoring services, although no specific timeline for full recovery has been established. The Blue Yonder Azure public cloud environment is under active monitoring [9], with no suspicious activity reported [9], and the company has confirmed that there are no identified issues in this environment. The rise in ransomware attacks has been significant, with cybercriminals reportedly extorting $1.1 billion in ransom payments globally in 2023 [4], underscoring the increasing vulnerability of supply chain companies to such threats [1]. Blue Yonder is actively communicating with relevant customers and will provide updates on its website as the investigation continues [3]. The incident occurred shortly before the Thanksgiving Day weekend [9], a critical period for grocery and retail operations [9], and there has been no claim of responsibility for the attack [9], with details regarding the type of ransomware used and the information accessed remaining undisclosed. Organizations are urged to enhance their security measures and consider the broader implications of such attacks on their operations and customer service [2].
Conclusion
The ransomware attack on Blue Yonder has highlighted the vulnerabilities within supply chain operations, significantly impacting major retailers and corporations. The company’s efforts to collaborate with cybersecurity experts and maintain transparency are crucial steps in mitigating the damage and restoring services. This incident serves as a reminder of the growing threat of cyberattacks, urging organizations to strengthen their security measures and prepare for potential disruptions in their operations.
References
[1] https://www.techmonitor.ai/technology/cybersecurity/blue-yonder-ransomware-attack-disrupts-supply-chains-across-uk-and-us
[2] https://siliconangle.com/2024/11/25/ransomware-attack-panasonics-blue-yonder-disrupts-supply-chains-uk-us/
[3] https://progressivegrocer.com/blue-yonder-dealing-ransomware-attack
[4] https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/25/tech/starbucks-ransomware-attack/index.html
[5] https://www.isss.org.uk/news/software-company-providing-services-to-us-and-uk-grocery-stores-says-it-was-hit-by-ransomware-attack/
[6] https://www.pymnts.com/cybersecurity/2024/ransomware-attack-targets-supply-chain-management-software-provider-blue-yonder/
[7] https://www.businessinsider.com/starbucks-scheduling-system-down-ransomware-attack-pay-disruption-2024-11
[8] https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/11/25/ransomware-attack-blue-yonder-starbucks/76576514007/
[9] https://www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/ransomware-supply-chain-blue-yonder-thanksgiving/733888/
[10] https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/24/business/ransomware-attack-blue-yonder/index.html
