Ransomware attack disrupts UK supermarkets
A ransomware attack targeting supply chain firm Blue Yonder has caused widespread disruption to British supermarkets, just weeks before the critical Christmas shopping period.
Blue Yonder, an Arizona-based company owned by Panasonic, confirmed the cyberattack on November 21, 2024. The incident has directly affected warehouse and logistics operations for major UK grocery retailers, with Morrisons—one of the country’s largest supermarket chains—being hit particularly hard.
A spokesperson for Morrisons acknowledged a significant outage, prompting the retailer to switch to backup systems. The supermarket, which operates nearly 500 stores across the UK, is working to limit disruptions to its supply of fresh food and produce.
Sainsbury’s also reported challenges, activating contingency measures to manage the fallout from the attack. The ransomware targeted Blue Yonder’s managed services hosted environment, disrupting key systems for inventory management and distribution—crucial for maintaining food supplies during the busy festive season.
The timing of the attack is especially problematic, as British supermarkets are already contending with seasonal supply chain pressures. Blue Yonder, a key software provider for major UK food retailers, has not disclosed when its systems will be fully operational again.
The impact of the attack extends beyond the UK, with international clients also feeling the effects. In the United States, grocery chains such as Albertsons and Kroger, as well as companies like Procter & Gamble and Anheuser-Busch, are among those potentially affected by the breach.
Blue Yonder issued a statement saying it is collaborating with external cybersecurity experts to investigate and resolve the issue, emphasizing that its priority is a secure recovery.
Despite the challenges, UK supermarkets are showing resilience by quickly deploying backup processes. Morrisons reassured customers that it is “working tirelessly to ensure continued service across the country.”
I am one of the editors here at www.systemtek.co.uk I am a UK based technology professional, with an interest in computer security and telecoms.