CRISP lovers could see favourites like Skips and Hula Hoops missing from supermarket shelves after owner KP was hit by a cyber attack.
Supplies of all the company’s major brands, which includes Nik Naks, McCoy’s, Discos, Space Raiders, Wheat Crunchies, as well as KP Nuts, may be affected until next month.
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According to a warning sent to shops obtained by Better Retailing, deliveries could be delayed or cancelled “until the end of March at the earliest”.
“At this stage we cannot safely process orders or dispatch goods,” it said.
The British snacking giant has confirmed the devastating ransomware attack struck on Friday.
“As soon as we became aware of the incident, we enacted our cybersecurity response plan and engaged a leading forensic information technology firm and legal counsel to assist us in our investigation,” a company rep said.
“Our internal IT teams continue to work with third-party experts to assess the situation.”
Ransomware attacks usually mean a cyber crook has managed to lock the victim’s IT systems and will only release them if you pay a large ransom.
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Experts warn victims to never cough up, as there is no guarantee they’ll actually give you back control – and could go on to demand more money.
According to Bleeping Computer, the attacker has encrypted sensitive files, including employee records and financial documents.
A ransomware group Conti has apparently claimed responsibility.
KP Snacks is one of the UK’s biggest crisp and snack makers which also owns Tyrells, Butterkist popcorn, Pom-Bears, Popchips, Roysters, Frisps and Choc Dips.
“It is now crunch time for KP Snacks to decide how to best go forward, as it is highly likely that this employee information will become public if the demands are not met, meaning further fines and problems could potentially arise,” said cyber security expert Jake Moore, from ESET.
It comes after rival Walkers warned late last year that its crisps would be in short supply due to an IT system upgrade.
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In other news, Apple has revealed a bunch of new emoji for iPhone, including a pregnant man and two saucy symbols.
Experts have warned that future space launches could be jeopardised if “stupid” regimes like Russia don’t stop blasting the skies creating debris.
And the most popular phone since the millennium has been unveiled, with many shocked to find out it’s not an iPhone.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
