Ransomware Attack on The Bird: A Hospitality Sector Victim

Company Size and Industry Standout

The Bird, a fried chicken restaurant chain based in San Francisco, has carved a niche for itself within the Hospitality sector. With a focus on fried chicken sandwiches and catering services, The Bird has gained popularity for its commitment to quality ingredients and affordability. Their signature fried chicken sandwich is notably priced at $10.25, making it a favorite among locals.

Vulnerabilities and Targeting

While The Bird's online presence does not explicitly detail their cybersecurity measures or potential vulnerabilities, the ransomware attack by Lockbit2.0 underscores a critical oversight. Ransomware groups often exploit weaknesses such as unpatched software, inadequate password policies, or phishing schemes to infiltrate systems. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies in safeguarding against such threats.

Impact and Response

In response to the ransomware attack, The Bird has engaged leading cybersecurity experts to assist in recovering the compromised data. The approach to resolving the incident—whether a ransom was paid or not—remains undisclosed, aligning with law enforcement recommendations against complying with ransom demands. This proactive stance highlights the challenges businesses face in navigating the aftermath of cyberattacks.

Sources

• Weekly Threat Briefing: ECB Shuts Down Compromised BIRD Website - https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2020/html/ecb.pr200806~f104a9c4b5.en.html
• Ransomware Attack List and Alerts - Cloudian - https://cloudian.com/blog/ransomware-attack-list-and-alerts/
• Assessing Political Motivations Behind Ransomware Attacks - https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR2968.html
• Ransomware attack on construction company raises questions about federal contracts - https://www.constructiondive.com/news/ransomware-attack-on-construction-company-raises-questions-about-federal-co/593175/