The restaurant industry has faced a marked rise in cyberattacks over the past two years, with many large fast-food chains becoming primary targets. These cyber incidents often involve data breaches that expose sensitive information, affecting both employees and customers. In one major breach, data on 183,000 individuals was compromised, revealing personal details such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license information, and medical data. Another attack targeted employee data, impacting names and driver’s license numbers, although it didn’t directly affect store operations or customer data.
Ransomware has also become a growing threat to the food and agriculture sectors, leading to severe operational disruptions in some cases. In one notable ransomware incident, nearly 300 UK restaurants temporarily closed, highlighting vulnerabilities within the industry’s digital infrastructure. The attackers frequently exploit weak points, particularly in industries with identified security lapses. Additionally, unauthorized access to employee email accounts has surfaced as another vector for cyber intrusions, with breaches impacting varying numbers of individuals.
The impact of these attacks on restaurant chains extends beyond data exposure, sometimes causing significant disruptions to corporate operations and technical outages. Digital ordering systems, along with in-person services, have been affected, leading to temporary closures of certain physical locations. In response, impacted companies often notify affected individuals, provide credit monitoring, and enhance cybersecurity measures with expert assistance. Legal actions have ensued for some companies, facing class-action lawsuits due to the repercussions of these breaches.
As the popularity of digital payments continues to grow, representing 80% of transactions, the restaurant sector remains increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. High staff turnover and limited cybersecurity training among restaurant employees also contribute to these security gaps. Smaller restaurant businesses are particularly at risk, lacking the resources for advanced security measures. Experts advise adherence to stringent cybersecurity practices, including employee training, end-to-end encryption, and incident response planning, to reduce the risk and long-term costs associated with these breaches.
Reference:
