A ransomware attack on the AI-driven supply chain platform Blue Yonder has disrupted operations at Starbucks and at least two major supermarket chains in the U.K. The incident, confirmed by Blue Yonder on November 21, has raised concerns about the broader impacts on supply chains across the Atlantic.
- Ransomware attack on Blue Yonder confirmed.
- Starbucks experiences payroll disruptions.
- U.K. supermarkets Morrisons and Sainsbury's affected.
- Blue Yonder prioritizing safe recovery efforts.
- Cybersecurity experts stress supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Customer service at Starbucks remains unaffected.
Starbucks has reported disruptions to barista scheduling and payment processes but assured that customer service remains unaffected. The company is working to ensure employees are paid for their hours worked despite the ongoing situation.
Blue Yonder, a leader in digital supply chain solutions, confirmed a ransomware incident that began on November 21, causing significant disruptions to its managed services. The company stated that it is prioritizing a safe recovery, but as of November 24, it could not provide a timeline for restoring full services. The attack has had ripple effects, notably affecting Starbucks, which relies on Blue Yonder for employee scheduling and payroll processing.
Starbucks has communicated that while disruptions have occurred in scheduling and payments, it has managed to process payroll as planned. The company emphasized that the incident has not affected customer service, and stores continue to operate normally. Key points include:
- The attack has impacted barista schedule management.
- Starbucks is ensuring employees receive their full pay for hours worked.
- Customer service and store operations remain unaffected.
In the U.K., two major supermarket chains, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, have also reported impacts from the Blue Yonder ransomware attack. Sainsbury’s has reassured customers that it is in close contact with Blue Yonder and has contingency plans in place. Cybersecurity experts stress the importance of having robust security measures within supply chains to mitigate such risks. They recommend regular software updates, staff training, and stringent access controls as essential practices to enhance resilience against cyber threats.
The ongoing situation highlights the vulnerabilities in supply chains and the need for companies to proactively address security risks. As investigations continue, both Blue Yonder and affected retailers are working towards recovery and restoring normal operations.
