Young hackers are causing chaos in the UK automotive industry with claims of a significant cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover.
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A group of young hackers, previously linked to attacks on prominent British brands, has claimed responsibility for a significant cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The gang publicly boasted about their actions on the messaging platform Telegram, sharing what they allege are screenshots from JLR’s internal IT system.
This declaration comes amid a series of cyber incidents that have already disrupted the UK retail sector earlier this year.
Details of the Cyber Attack
Reports indicate that the hackers belong to a group known as Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters, which combines three English-speaking hacking factions: Scattered Spider, Lapsus$, and ShinyHunters.
The group claimed in private conversations that they were attempting to extort money from JLR. However, there was no confirmation regarding whether they had successfully stolen private data or installed any malicious software on the company’s network.
The BBC highlighted that Scattered Spider has been linked to previous attacks on UK retailers.
These incidents prompted Marks and Spencer to halt online sales for nearly six weeks, incurring an estimated loss of around £300 million. In April, four individuals were arrested in connection with these incidents but were later released on bail.
Impact on Jaguar Land Rover
On Wednesday, a spokesperson for JLR acknowledged the claims related to the recent cyber incident, stating, “We are aware of the claims relating to the recent cyber incident and we are continuing to actively investigate.” This acknowledgment follows advisories for workers at JLR’s Halewood plant in Merseyside not to report to work due to ongoing issues stemming from the cyber attack.
Earlier this week, JLR reported that both production and sales had been “severely disrupted” due to the attack, raising concerns about the overall impact on their operations and the automotive supply chain.
Broader Implications and Investigations
The ongoing series of cyber attacks poses significant risks not only to individual companies but also to the broader UK economy. The National Crime Agency has been approached for comments on the situation, and there are growing calls for enhanced cybersecurity measures across industries that have been affected.
As investigations continue, it is crucial for companies to remain vigilant and proactive in securing their networks against potential breaches. The rise of cybercriminal groups like Scattered Lapsus$ and their bold claims of responsibility highlight an alarming trend that needs to be addressed urgently.
UPDATE AT [time]: Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
