Cybersecurity expert Andrew Martin pointed out that this incident marks the second attack on UK food distribution within a month, urging companies to enhance their cybersecurity protocols.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology recommends various strategies for businesses to protect against ransomware, including the use of antivirus software and keeping systems updated.

Blue Yonder, a UK-based supply chain software provider for major retailers like Starbucks, has confirmed that it is experiencing service disruptions due to a ransomware attack.

In response to the incident, the company has implemented defensive and forensic measures while actively monitoring its systems for any suspicious activity, although recovery timelines remain uncertain.

On November 24, Blue Yonder announced that its teams are working continuously to address the situation and are making progress in recovery efforts.

This attack follows a recent cybersecurity incident affecting Ahold Delhaize's U.S. pharmacies and eCommerce operations, highlighting a troubling trend of increasing cyber threats to businesses.

Experts note that supply chain ecosystems are prime targets for ransomware attacks due to their vast amounts of sensitive data and complex interdependencies.

Experts highlight the importance of preparedness, advocating for incident response plans and effective backup processes to minimize damage from such attacks.

This incident adds to the growing list of cybersecurity challenges faced by food service companies, following earlier breaches in 2024 involving major brands like McDonald's and Panera.

As ransomware attacks become more frequent, experts emphasize the necessity for companies to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their operations.

Keith Prabhu, CEO of Confidis, stressed the importance of enforcing strict security measures for third-party software suppliers and managing the software bill of materials (SBOM) to mitigate risks.

Fortunately, the timing of this attack is such that it is unlikely to disrupt shopping for the Thanksgiving holiday or the upcoming Christmas retail peak.