Pitman Family Farms Suffers Ransomware Attack

About Pitman Family Farms

Founded in 1954, Pitman Family Farms has expanded its operations to provide poultry to a range of large grocery store chains. The company raises chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, all on vegetarian diets classified as non-GMO, organic, and absent of sugars, preservatives, and food additives.

Impact of the Attack

The ransomware attack resulted in the potential exposure of sensitive personal information, including names, Social Security numbers, addresses, and financial information such as bank account numbers. The company began notifying individuals whose information may have been impacted on November 8, 2022.

Vulnerabilities and Mitigation

The specific vulnerabilities that allowed the attackers to infiltrate Pitman Family Farms' network servers are not detailed in the available information. However, the company has advised individuals to take steps to protect their personal information, such as reviewing breach notices, enrolling in free credit monitoring services, changing passwords and security questions for online accounts, regularly reviewing account statements for signs of fraud or unauthorized activity, monitoring credit reports for signs of identity theft, and contacting a credit bureau(s) to request a temporary fraud alert.

The ransomware attack on Pitman Family Farms underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures across all sectors, including agriculture. It is imperative for companies to remain vigilant against potential threats and implement effective strategies to safeguard sensitive information.

Sources

• Search Data Security Breaches | State of California - Department of Justice
• Pitman Farms Data Breach Investigation - Turke & Strauss LLP
• Publicly disclosed U.S. ransomware attacks database - TechTarget
• Pitman Farms Suffered from Ransomware Attack - IDStrong