Data Stolen From UK-based Global Shipping Company
On 29 November, the UK-based global shipping company Clarksons, reported that it had experienced a cyber security breach, resulting in the theft of confidential data. The company has publicly warned that the data may be leaked by whoever is responsible for the breach and has contacted potentially affected customers.
Clarksons provides a range of services to the maritime industry including shipbroking, investment banking and research services. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, but it is reported that unauthorised access to the company’s IT systems was gained via a single user account.
Andi Case, CEO of Clarksons, commented: “ Issues of cybersecurity are at the forefront of many business agendas in today’s digital and commercial landscape and, despite our extensive efforts we have suffered this criminal attack. As you would rightly expect, we’re working closely with specialist police teams and data security experts to do all we can to best understand the incident and what we can do toprotect our clients now and in the future. We hope that, in time, we can share the lessons learned with our clients to help stop them from becoming victims themselves. In the meantime, I hope our clients understand that we would not be held to ransom by criminals, and I would like to sincerely apologise for any concern this incident may have understandably raised.”
This case is one of a number of recent high profile data breaches, highlighting the importance of organisations having good data security procedures in place and plans to deal with any breach.
Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.