World’s largest meat supplier JBS blames Russian criminals for cyber attack

The company believes the ransomware attack originated from a criminal group likely based in Russia.

PRETORIA, June 2 (ANA) – Brazilian meat company JBS has told the United States that a ransomware attack on its computer networks originated from a criminal organisation likely based in Russia, Al Jazeera reported on Tuesday.

The broadcaster quoted a statement from the company as saying it had made significant progress in resolving the cyber attack and the majority of its beef, pork, poultry and prepared food plants would be operational on Wednesday.

“Our systems are coming back online and we are not sparing any resources to fight this threat,” chief executive of JBS USA Andre Nogueira said.

JBS operations were temporarily shut in Australia, Canada and the US, affecting thousands of workers, the BBC reported.

In a ransomware attack, hackers get into a computer network and threaten to cause disruption or delete files unless a ransom is paid.

“JBS notified [the White House] that the ransom demand came from a criminal organisation likely based in Russia,” the BBC quoted Karine Jean-Pierre, a spokeswoman for US President Joe Biden’s administration, as saying.

“The White House is engaging directly with the Russian government on this matter and delivering the message that responsible states do not harbour ransomware criminals.“

According to news channel ABC, JBS has 47 facilities across Australia and operates the largest network of production facilities and feedlots in the country.

Last month, fuel delivery in the south east of the US was crippled for several days after a ransomware attack targeted the Colonial Pipeline. Investigators said that attack was also linked to a group with ties to Russia, the BBC reported.

Colonial Pipeline has confirmed it paid a US$4.4 million ransom to the cyber-criminal gang.

– African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Stella Mapenzauswa