A major ransomware attack against US supply chain software firm Blue Yonder has hit warehouse and logistics operations for two UK supermarket chains, writes Peter Brown.
US firm Blue Yonder provides software to over 3,000 customers, including Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, DHL, Proctor & Gamble, and Nestle.
The attack targeted Blue Yonder’s managed services hosted environment, which could compromise inventory management and distribution systems used to maintain food supplies.
Customer Morrisons has confirmed it has suffered significant disruption affecting supplies to its stores, which comes as the peak shopping season kicks in.
A Morrisons spokesperson said the firm had experienced a major outage and that it had reverted to a backup process. The supermarket, which operates nearly 500 stores across the UK, said it is working hard to minimise disruption to its fresh food and produce supply chains.
Sainsbury’s said it also suffered disruption to its supply systems due to the attack, which saw it use contingency plans to manage the system-wide disruption.
Services have now been restored.
Blue Yonder uses AI and machine learning algorithms to help retail customers model demand and respond to market changes by optimising their inventory accordingly. The company said its teams are ‘working around the clock’ to respond to the incident, and were making progress.
