A ransomware attack targeting restaurant locations owned by both KFC and Pizza Hut left customers and employees in the United States and Canada unable to place orders or access systems. On April 9th 2020, food industry giants, KFC and Pizza Hut, revealed they had been the victim of a ransomware attack. KFC-Yum and Pizza Hut, under the collective name “Yum,” were impacted, with reports of ransomware usage surfacing in the United States, Canada and parts of Latin America. This highly disruptive ransomware attack compelled Yum to take systems offline in multiple countries to prevent further spread and to protect customers’ payment information.
Ransomware is a type of malware aimed at extorting money from users. It encrypts data and files, and if a ransom is not paid, certain files or access to systems or networks can become permanently unavailable. To penetrate the networks of large-scale targets like Yum, attackers often leverage multiple attack vectors. In this particular attack, malicious actors used vulnerabilities in the network to gain access to the back-end systems and obtain confidential information, such as customers’ payment information.
Though the attack occurred at multiple locations, systemic security measures put into place by Yum, as well as its cyber-security response team, contained the spread of the ransomware and were also able to restore access to systems. Yum’s strict security protocols and efficient response prevented customers’ payment information from being compromised.
In light of the attack, organizations of all sizes should strengthen their security measures to prevent the spread of ransomware. It’s essential to ensure that all updates, patches and system configurations are up-to-date and routinely monitored, as this can decrease vulnerability to attack. Companies should also regularly back up their network and data, as this will allow crucial files to be recovered in case of a ransomware attack or data breach. Additionally, user education and robust phishing prevention tools are essential for effective cybersecurity. By taking these proactive steps, organizations can protect and minimize the consequences of a potential ransomware attack.
This Cyber News was published on heimdalsecurity.com. Publication date: Mon, 23 Jan 2023 18:57:29 +0000