GREELY, COLORADO — The disruptive power of ransomware attacks was already on full display last month, when hackers attacked Colonial Pipeline, halting fuel distribution from a crucial U.S. pipeline for days. <br /><br />Now, a new ransomware attack on a global meat supplier is threatening the food-supply chain — and underscoring, once again, that ransomware is an urgent national and international security issue. Here are the details: <br /><br />The BBC reports that the world's largest meat-processing company has been targeted by a sophisticated cyber attack. <br /><br />JBS said on Monday 31 May that its computer networks were hacked, causing operations in Australia, Canada and the US to shut down. <br /><br />Bloomberg reports that the shutdown had halted 20% of America's meat production. <br /><br />The White House said that this was a ransomware attack by a criminal group likely based in Russia. <br /><br />It said the FBI is investigating the attack while the White House is engaging directly with the Russian government and delivering the message that responsible states do not harbor ransomware criminals. <br /><br />In a ransomware attack, hackers get into a computer network and threaten to cause disruption or delete files unless a ransom is paid. <br /><br />The attack could lead to shortages of meat or raise prices for consumers. <br /><br />JBS said it had made "significant progress" in resolving the cyber attack and hoped the vast majority of its plants would be operational by Wednesday the second of June.<br /><br />According to the trade group, Beef Central, supermarkets and other big end-users — like the supply network for McDonalds burger patties — will be some of the most immediately impacted customers, due to their need for consistent supply.
