UK logistics firm hit by Ransomware attack, 700 jobs lost

Srinagar, July 22: A ransomware attack has reportedly crippled KNP Logistics, a 158-year-old UK transport company, leading to the loss of 700 jobs. According to the BBC, the breach was allegedly carried out by the Akira ransomware gang, who gained access to the company’s systems after successfully guessing an employee’s password.

Once inside, the hackers encrypted critical data and shut down internal systems, effectively halting operations. KNP director Paul Abbott confirmed that the attack stemmed from a compromised password but said the specific employee responsible had not been informed.
KNP Logistics, which runs approximately 500 lorries under the Knights of Old brand, was operating under standard industry IT protocols and had insurance coverage for cyberattacks. However, the protections were not enough to fend off the attack.

Hacking is increasing due to its lucrative nature, according to Suzanne Grimmer, head of a team at the National Crime Agency (NCA). Her unit, which conducted the initial assessment of the M&S hack, has seen incidents nearly double to 35-40 per week over the past two years. Ms Grimmer warns that if this trend continues, it may become the worst year on record for ransomware attacks in the UK.

The hackers issued a ransom demand in exchange for a decryption key to unlock the company’s systems. A note left by the attackers read:
“If you’re reading this, it means the internal infrastructure of your company is fully or partially dead… Let’s keep all the tears and resentment to ourselves and try to build a constructive dialogue.”

The cyberattack has had devastating consequences for the long-standing company, leaving hundreds of employees without work and raising new concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in traditional industries.

Hacking is becoming more accessible due to the availability of tools and services that don’t require advanced technical skills.