A cybersecurity issue has caused several Stop & Shop and Hannaford grocery stores in the Northeast to experience product shortages for nearly two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. The parent company, Ahold Delhaize, stated that they are investigating the issue and taking steps to assess and mitigate it. This has affected store operations, including some pharmacies and e-commerce services.
Despite the limited product availability, both Stop & Shop and Hannaford locations remain open, with efforts being made to restock shelves and anticipate item availability. Specific systems that were down and products that were limited were not disclosed, but reports indicate shortages of items such as milk, cottage cheese, and chicken breasts. The issue has also impacted stores’ ability to accept certain payment methods and schedule product deliveries.
Social media posts have shown empty shelves at various locations, with one user describing a lack of meat and produce at their Stop & Shop. While the cause of the issue has not been confirmed, ransomware analyst Alan Liska suggests that the symptoms are consistent with a ransomware attack. Similar attacks have targeted other companies in the past, resulting in disruptions to operations and financial losses.
With Thanksgiving approaching, the timing of the cybersecurity issue poses a challenge for the affected stores. However, spokesperson Caroline Medeiros assures that they are working to restock holiday staples like turkeys, hams, potatoes, and stuffing. Customers are encouraged to be patient as the stores strive to improve inventory levels in time for the holiday celebrations.
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