Maersk is dealing with a data breach and IT security incident, the shipping and logistics group has confirmed, with data that may have been stolen during the attack.
The Danish firm is one of the biggest container shipping operators in the world, and its network of ports, vessels and freight services touches businesses across the UK and beyond. Any disruption to its systems can have knock-on effects for importers, exporters and the retailers that rely on them.
Ransom claim
One report says a ransomware group calling itself WhiteArmor is demanding $5 million, roughly £4 million at current exchange rates. The claim comes from a single outlet, and Maersk has not confirmed that any ransom demand has been made.
Ransomware groups often combine the encryption of systems with the theft of data, then threaten to publish what they have taken if they are not paid.
Previous attack
The company has been caught up in a major cyber incident before. In 2017 the NotPetya malware swept through Maersk's systems, forcing staff to rebuild large parts of its IT estate and costing the group hundreds of millions of dollars.
The latest incident is still being dealt with. Maersk is expected to say more about the nature of the data involved and whether customers or employees are affected, though no timetable has been set for that update.
Logo: Maersk
