Breendonk Cyber Attack Causes Production Disruption
- Reef Noor
- Mar 11, 2024
- 2 min read
First the village's brewery was hit by cyberattack, now its coffee roastery.
The Belgian village of Breendonk is facing its second cyber attack in as many weeks. Home to Duvel Moortgat Brewery and Koffie Byers, a local coffee roaster, has seen unprecedented attention from cyber criminals.
The impact of the incident affecting Beyers is not yet known but it is believed that the cyber attack caused production disruption. Local police are conducting an investigation with the help of their computer crime unit but have not released the details of the attack. It is unclear whether the cyber attack has had any impact on Beyers production capabilities.
Beyers is the largest coffee roaster in Belgium, and employs more than 200 people in five different countries. In addition to the facility near Breendonk, it has another production plant in Italy.
Duval is an international exporter of beer. A spokesperson confirmed “production is at a standstill at all our Belgian sites and at our site in the United States,” as a result of the attack.
Key takeaways for your business:
Increased Vulnerability to Cyber Attacks: The incident highlights the growing threat of cyber attacks to businesses, regardless of their size or industry. Even small villages like Breendonk, home to businesses like Duvel Moortgat Brewery and Koffie Byers, are not immune to cyber threats.
Potential Impact on Production and Operations: Cyber attacks can disrupt production and operations, leading to significant downtime and financial losses. In the case of Duvel Moortgat Brewery, production came to a standstill not only at their Belgian sites but also at their facility in the United States, demonstrating the widespread impact of cyber incidents.
Importance of Cybersecurity Measures: The incident underscores the critical importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against cyber threats. Businesses need to invest in cybersecurity infrastructure, protocols, and training to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks and protect their operations.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Collaboration with law enforcement agencies, such as local police and computer crime units, is essential in responding to cyber incidents. Businesses should work closely with authorities to investigate cyberattacks, identify perpetrators, and mitigate further damage.
Transparency and Communication: While it's essential to prioritize security and investigations, businesses should also maintain transparency and open communication with stakeholders, including customers, employees, and the public. Providing timely updates on the situation can help manage expectations and mitigate reputational damage.
