Cold storage giant Americold hit by cyberattack, services impacted

Cold storage giant Americold is currently dealing with a cyberattack impacting their operations, including phone systems, email, inventory management, and order fulfillment.

Americold is a leading temperature-controlled warehouses operator who offers supply-chain services and inventory management for retailers, food service providers, and producers. Americold manages 183 warehouses worldwide and has approximately 13,000 employees.

Today, Americold was hit with a cyberattack that led them to shut down their computer systems to prevent the spread of the attack.  

“On November 16, 2020, Americold Realty Trust (the “Company” or “Americold”) determined that its computer network was affected by a cybersecurity incident. As a precautionary measure, the Company took immediate steps to help contain the incident and implemented business continuity plans, where appropriate, to continue ongoing operations. The Company has notified and is working closely with law enforcement, cybersecurity experts and legal counsel.”

“Security, in all its forms, remains a top priority at Americold, and the Company will continue to seek to take all appropriate measures to further safeguard the integrity of its information technology infrastructure, data and customer information,” Americold said in a statement to BleepingComputer.

Sources have told BleepingComputer that the attack has impacted numerous systems, including phone, email, order fulfillment, and inventory management. Customers who have attempted to pick up inventory for delivery have been unable to get access to warehouses.

While Americold has not provided details on the attack, numerous sources have told BleepingComputer that it was a ransomware attack. The ransomware operation behind the attack is unknown at this time.

With COVID-19 vaccines gearing up for FDA approval and distribution, cold storage facilities will be necessary for long term storage. Airport industry website Air Cargo World has reported that Chicago Rockford Airport is seeking to partner with Americold for storing vaccines ready for distribution.

This is a developing story.

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