Duvel Beer Production Affected by Cybersecurity Incident
Belgian beer company Duvel has encountered a significant disruption as production grinds to a halt at four of its breweries following a suspected ransomware attack. The cyber incident unfolded “during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday,” prompting the initial shutdown of five production facilities, with only one having been able to resume operations since.
Duvel has acknowledged the attack but, due to an ongoing investigation, has been constrained in providing detailed information. The company commended its IT system’s command systems and alarms, which efficiently detected the cyber threat. This rapid response allowed for the immediate shutdown of servers, preventing further damage and the spread of the attack to additional production sites.
While one facility in Puurs-Sint-Amands, Belgium, has successfully recommenced operations, production at the other four locations remains at a standstill. Duvel, with a rich history dating back to 1871, is renowned for its diverse beer portfolio, including popular brands such as Chouffe, Vedett, and Liefmans. In 2022, the company reported a substantial revenue of €583 million (£497 million) and produced around 230 million liters of beer. The impact on the supply chain and availability of its products remain uncertain, pending further investigation.
Local media reports confirm that Duvel has identified the incident as a ransomware attack, a type of cyber threat where hackers typically demand payment to prevent blocking or leaking sensitive files. This revelation underscores the increasing prevalence and sophistication of cyber threats faced by organizations across various industries.
The brewery’s swift response to shutting down servers reflects the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in mitigating the potential fallout from such attacks. As the investigation into the ransomware incident continues, Duvel faces the challenge of restoring operations at the affected breweries and safeguarding against future cybersecurity risks. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats and the pressing need for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity as an integral aspect of their overall risk management strategy.
Comment Template