Crown Equipment Hit by Cyberattack
Crown Equipment Corporation, a leading forklift manufacturer, confirmed a ransomware attack that has severely disrupted its operations. Since June 8, 2024, Crown's IT systems were shut down, halting production and administration worldwide. Employees faced significant difficulties, including an inability to clock in hours, access service manuals, or deliver machinery. The company’s website and switchboard were also rendered inaccessible.
The attack, perpetrated by an international cybercriminal organization, was facilitated by an employee who fell victim to a social engineering scheme, allowing unauthorized access. This led to the installation of remote access software on Crown’s systems, causing widespread disruption.
Crown employees in New Bremen, Ohio, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and communication from management. Initially, they were told to use paid time off or file for unemployment, but later, Crown assured regular pay. The FBI and cybersecurity experts are involved in the investigation. While Crown has not explicitly confirmed it was ransomware, the nature of the attack suggests so. Crown aims to restore systems by June 24, 2024. This incident underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures and employee vigilance against social engineering threats.