Operations Affected at Aussie Chicken Processor, Hazeldenes
An apparent ransomware attack at major chicken meat processor Hazeldenes in central Victoria, Australia forced the company to curtail operations leading to a shortage of chicken at various businesses across the state.
Victorian poultry processor Hazeldenes confirmed February 26 it had been responding to a cybersecurity incident since February 19, which forced it to halt production across its facilities. The company processes 900,000 birds each week and produces more than 85 million kilograms of chicken annually across more than 50 sites including farms, hatcheries and processing facilities throughout Victoria.
Retail and industry officials said the chicken meat processor has been unable to fill some orders because it cannot package the product, according to a Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) report.