One of Norfolk’s biggest independent retail chains is facing disruption after being targeted by a suspected ransomware attack.
Roys of Wroxham said the cyber attack had affected its IT systems causing problems in stores and meant it was unable to dispatch online orders.
The company said it was undertaking an “extensive forensic investigation” to assess the full scope of the incident including any potential data impact.
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A spokesman for Roys said: “We are currently experiencing some disruption to part of our operational IT systems following an IT security incident, which occurred on Tuesday, July 4.
“While we are still able to service our customers in-store, albeit with some minor disruption, we’re unable to dispatch online orders to customers and so they will experience a delay in receiving them.”
Ransomware is malicious software used by hackers - and often sent via attachments in emails - to gain access to an organisation's or individual's computer systems.
The criminals then find and encrypt important or sensitive files - and demand a ransom for them to be unlocked.
A wide variety of targets - from schools and hospitals to government agencies and media organisations - have fallen victim, with research indicating hackers are often paid.
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Roys said it was working with third-party specialists as part of its assessment but sought to reassure customers and suppliers that their data was secure.
“This investigation is in its very early stages but whilst this is ongoing, we can reassure customers that we don’t store any financial information related to our customers so this won’t have been impacted,” they said.
The chain operates a department store, food hall and several other retail businesses, including a garden centre, DIY shop and toy shop, near its headquarters in Hoveton.
It also runs stores in North Walsham, Thetford, Dereham, Beccles, Bowthorpe and on Magdalen Street in Norwich.
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