The UK government is maintaining close communication with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) following a significant cyber attack that occurred just over a week ago. Business and Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant informed MPs that the situation is being monitored daily. In response to the attack, JLR shut down its IT systems to prevent further damage, resulting in the suspension of production lines both in the UK and internationally.
As a consequence of the shutdown, employees at JLR’s assembly plants in Halewood and Solihull, as well as the engine factory in Wolverhampton, have been instructed to stay home. The factories are not anticipated to reopen before Thursday at the earliest. The situation remains fluid as the company works to restore its networks, with decisions being made on a daily basis.
The cyber attack has also significantly disrupted JLR’s new car sales and servicing operations, coinciding with a typically busy sales period following the release of new registration plates on 1 September. Sir Chris indicated that the National Cyber Security Centre has been collaborating with JLR since the onset of the incident and mentioned his plans to meet with the company’s chief executive later this week. Additionally, the Information Commissioner’s Office has been informed.
While Sir Chris could not provide information regarding the identity of the hackers or the expected timeline for resolving the situation, he emphasized the necessity of prosecuting those responsible for such attacks. A group of cyber criminals previously linked to disruptions at other companies has claimed responsibility for the JLR incident.
The attack has also had repercussions on JLR’s supply chain, affecting key parts suppliers, such as Evtec and WH Plastics. Sir Chris acknowledged the challenges faced by these suppliers and assured that the government would provide necessary support. MPs representing the areas near JLR’s plants are scheduled to engage with the company during an online meeting on Friday.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3w5elzny05o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss