Ransomware Incident Impacts 11,000 Starbucks Sites Across the US and Canada, as Well as UK Grocery Stores

Ransomware Incident Impacts 11,000 Starbucks Sites Across the US and Canada, as Well as UK Grocery Stores

Ransomware Incident Impacts 11,000 Starbucks Sites Across the US and Canada, as Well as UK Grocery Stores


### Ransomware Assault Strikes Prominent IT Provider, Affecting Starbucks and Additional Retailers

In a notable cybersecurity event, around 11,000 Starbucks outlets throughout North America have been impacted by a ransomware assault on Blue Yonder, a leading IT service provider. This incident has also affected two major supermarket chains in the UK, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, as well as automobile manufacturer Ford, which is currently evaluating if its operations have been compromised.

#### The Assault on Blue Yonder

Blue Yonder, recognized for its solutions in supply chain management and logistics, caters to a varied array of high-profile clients, including Starbucks. The attack has troubled essential backend processes, although Starbucks has assured customers that sales functions remain intact. The company has indicated that the ransomware incident has mainly obstructed its capacity to handle employee payroll and scheduling mechanisms.

#### Consequences for Starbucks Employees

As a result of the assault, Starbucks has turned to manual computations for employee compensation, potentially leading to discrepancies in payments. While the company is presently compensating employees based on their scheduled hours, there exists a risk of overpayment or underpayment relative to actual hours worked. Starbucks has pledged that all employees will receive payment for the hours they have worked once the matter is resolved.

#### Impact on UK Supermarkets

The effects of the ransomware assault extend further than Starbucks, influencing British supermarket chains Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.

– **Morrisons**, which runs roughly 1,600 convenience stores and 500 supermarkets, reported interruptions to its warehouse management systems concerning fresh products and produce. A representative confirmed that the company is operating adequately using backup systems and is dedicated to upholding service for its customers.

– **Sainsbury’s**, with 600 supermarkets and more than 800 convenience stores, has announced that it is in “close contact” with Blue Yonder and has enacted contingency measures to lessen the impact of the assault.

#### Ford’s Reaction

Ford, another customer of Blue Yonder, is in the process of determining whether its operations have been impacted by the ransomware assault. The company has not yet verified any disruptions but is vigilantly observing the situation.

#### Conclusion

The recent ransomware attack on Blue Yonder underscores the vulnerabilities encountered by even major corporations in the digital era. As businesses become more reliant on third-party IT providers, the potential for widespread disruption increases. While Starbucks and other affected entities are diligently working to address these challenges, the event serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of strong cybersecurity protocols and contingency strategies in today’s connected landscape.

As the situation evolves, stakeholders within the retail and automotive industries will be attentively observing how these companies manage the aftermath of this notable cybersecurity breach.