November 2, 2023 at 04:57PM
Ace Hardware is dealing with a cyberattack that has caused disruptions to its IT systems, preventing local stores and customers from placing orders. The company is working to restore 196 servers and has engaged with IT experts to resolve the issue. Scheduled deliveries are affected, and the ordering functionality on the online shop is disabled. Cybercriminals are also taking advantage of the situation by contacting Ace retailers with phishing emails and impersonating contractors. Ace Hardware warns retailers to be cautious.
Key takeaways from the meeting notes:
1. Ace Hardware is experiencing a cyberattack that has affected their IT systems, including ACENET, Warehouse Management Systems, Ace Retailer Mobile Assistant (ARMA), Hot Sheets, Invoices, Ace Rewards, and the Care Center’s phone system.
2. The cyberattack has disrupted scheduled deliveries and retailers are advised not to place additional orders at this time.
3. Ace Hardware has engaged with a group of IT experts to restore the affected systems, but due to the fast-moving nature of the situation, accurate details on the process and system status cannot be provided.
4. The outage is expected to continue indefinitely.
5. In-store POS systems and credit card processing remain unaffected, but online ordering functionality is disabled until the systems are restored.
6. Ace Hardware operates 1,400 servers and 3,500 networked devices, out of which 1,202 were impacted by the cyberattack, with 196 servers currently being restored.
7. 51% of the affected servers have been restored as of the latest update.
8. Ace Hardware warns retailers about phishing emails and phone calls from threat actors posing as Epicor Software Corporation agents attempting to redirect payments or gather account credentials.
9. Breaches like this can lead to further downstream compromises and security risks.
10. Ace Hardware is yet to provide more information about the cyberattack.
These takeaways highlight the impact of the cyberattack on Ace Hardware’s operations, the progress in restoring the systems, and the importance of maintaining vigilance against further threats.