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Historic logistics firm KNP shuts down after cyberattack

KNP in Northamptonshire closed following a breach caused by a weak password, leading to a ransomware demand.

July 21, 2025 at 06:32 PM

Weak password let hackers bring down 148-year-old logistics firm

A historic logistics firm has closed after hackers exploited weak password security.

Weak password leads to collapse of historic logistics company

KNP, a logistics company in Northamptonshire with a history of over 148 years, has shut down due to a cyberattack that stemmed from a weak employee password. Criminals accessed the firm's systems, locking out employees and demanding a ransom to restore functionality. Director Paul Abbott has not yet communicated the cause of the breach to the employee whose credentials were compromised. This incident is part of a worrying trend, with an estimated 19,000 British businesses affected by ransom attacks last year, including major companies like Marks and Spencer. KNP's downfall highlights the growing cybersecurity threat to businesses, emphasizing the need for stronger protections against growing cybercrime.

Key Takeaways

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KNP became a victim after hackers guessed a weak password.

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The company employed 700 people and traded for over 150 years.

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Inability to pay ransom led directly to the company's closure.

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Cybersecurity threats are rising, affecting thousands of businesses.

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Governments emphasize improved security protocols amid increased attacks.

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Ransom demands have reached an average of £4 million in the UK.

"If you’re reading this it means the internal infrastructure of your company is fully or partially dead"

The hacker group's message highlights the severity of the attack on KNP.

"Ransomware has become a national security threat in its own right"

This statement from James Babbage underscores the urgency of addressing ransomware.

"Every victim needs to make their own choice, but it is the paying of ransoms which fuels this crime"

Richard Horne emphasizes the consequences of succumbing to ransom demands.

This incident exposes the vulnerabilities that many long-established firms face in the digital age. With over half of British companies reportedly suffering from ransom attacks, the need for stringent cybersecurity measures has never been more urgent. Officials, including Richard Horne from the National Cyber Security Centre, urge businesses to bolster their defenses, warning that attitudes towards paying ransoms only encourage further criminal activity. The focus must shift towards preventing attacks before they happen rather than reactive measures.

Highlights

Weak passwords can end a legacy built over 148 years.
Ransomware is now a threat to national security.
Paying ransoms only fuels the cybercrime industry.
Security must evolve alongside growing cyber threats.

High cyberattack risk for businesses

Many companies, including KNP, are vulnerable to cyberattacks due to weak cybersecurity measures. This incident illustrates the critical need for businesses to enhance their defenses against such threats, as ransomware becomes more common and destructive.

The rise in cyber threats calls for immediate action to protect businesses from potential collapse.

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cybersecurity ransomware logistics UK business business technology cybersecurity

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