Tractor and combine provider AGCO is working through a crippling ransomware attack affecting operations at *some* production facilities during one of the most critical times of the year. Operations could be impacted for “several days and potentially longer,” AGCO said.
The attack could not have arrived at a worse time, during #plant22, on top of the never-ending equipment and parts shortages. Needless to say, the hackers knew what they were doing.
We’re just not sure how bad it is… yet. As of Friday, AGCO wasn’t sure which ransomware strain was to blame. AGCO did not disclose which facilities were hit or if any data was stolen.
But it was bad enough to bring down the servers and stop production completely at some locations. Meanwhile dealers couldn’t look up or order parts through the AGCO website.
Soundbite: “We just have to trust that it will be over as soon as possible because we are coming into our busiest time of the year and it will be very damaging to our business and customers,” said Tim Brannon, president and owner of B&G Equipment, Inc.
In an email to dealers, AGCO said they are “prioritizing” the most business critical systems as they work through the mess.
Last month the FBI warned that attackers are spreading ransomware during planting and harvest. Attackers want to pressure farming groups into paying hefty ransom sums to stop the food chain from being impacted.
The best defense is a good offense. To protect yourself and your business, create backups, install the latest software patches, and use multi-factor authentication whenever you can.