Major Swedish supermarket chain hit by cyberattack, World News | wionews.com
Major Swedish supermarket chain hit by cyberattack
AFP
Stockholm Published: Jul 03, 2021, 03:32 PM(IST)
File photo. Photograph:( Reuters )
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"One of our subcontractors was hit by a digital attack, and that's why our checkouts aren't working any more," Coop Sweden, which accounts for around 20 percent of the sector, said in a statement.
One of Sweden's biggest supermarket chains said Saturday it had to temporarily close around 800 stores nationwide after a cyberattack blocked access to its checkouts.
"One of our subcontractors was hit by a digital attack, and that's why our checkouts aren't working any more," Coop Sweden, which accounts for around 20 percent of the sector, said in a statement.
"We regret the situation and will do all we can to reopen swiftly," the cooperative added.
Coop Sweden did not name the subcontractor or reveal the hacking method used against it beginning on Friday evening.
Also Read | Myanmar protesters burn junta leader's images on his birthday
But the attack comes as a wave of ransomware attacks has struck worldwide, especially in the United States.
Ransomware attacks typically involve locking away data in systems using encryption, making companies pay to regain access.
Last year, hackers extorted at least $18 billion using such software, according to security firm Emsisoft.
US IT company Kaseya on Friday urged customers to shut down servers running its VSA platform after dozens were hit with ransomware.
In recent weeks, such attacks have hit oil pipelines, health services and major firms, and made it onto the agenda of US President Joe Biden's June meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
AFP
Stockholm Published: Jul 03, 2021, 03:32 PM(IST)
File photo. Photograph:( Reuters )
FOLLOW US
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
"One of our subcontractors was hit by a digital attack, and that's why our checkouts aren't working any more," Coop Sweden, which accounts for around 20 percent of the sector, said in a statement.
One of Sweden's biggest supermarket chains said Saturday it had to temporarily close around 800 stores nationwide after a cyberattack blocked access to its checkouts.
"One of our subcontractors was hit by a digital attack, and that's why our checkouts aren't working any more," Coop Sweden, which accounts for around 20 percent of the sector, said in a statement.
"We regret the situation and will do all we can to reopen swiftly," the cooperative added.
Coop Sweden did not name the subcontractor or reveal the hacking method used against it beginning on Friday evening.
Also Read | Myanmar protesters burn junta leader's images on his birthday
But the attack comes as a wave of ransomware attacks has struck worldwide, especially in the United States.
Ransomware attacks typically involve locking away data in systems using encryption, making companies pay to regain access.
Last year, hackers extorted at least $18 billion using such software, according to security firm Emsisoft.
US IT company Kaseya on Friday urged customers to shut down servers running its VSA platform after dozens were hit with ransomware.
In recent weeks, such attacks have hit oil pipelines, health services and major firms, and made it onto the agenda of US President Joe Biden's June meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
