Website and Email Taken Down for Days After SHI hit by Malware

SHI has been hit by malware, spurring the temporary shutdown of the company's public websites and email services. SHI took down their sites and email for several days during the attack and its aftermath. The company disabled the site and services to better understand whether its systems had the integrity necessary to function without the heightened risk of susceptibility to online threats.

What is the Context of the Attack?

Before we delve into the details of the attack, let's provide some context. SHI International is a reseller headquartered in New Jersey. SHI recently revealed hackers levied a professional and well-coordinated malware attack on its systems. The attack rendered customers unable to place orders. Some customers even took to social media to criticize SHI's response to the attack. The criticism is notable as SHI has emerged as one of the top IT service specialists in the world.

How did SHI Respond to the Attack?

The company took down its website and email services for the entirety of the July 4^th holiday weekend. SHI probed the attack and gauged its system integrity in response to the attack. SHI representatives noted the company worked hard to bring its systems back online for full accessibility, though the effort consumed the holiday weekend. The company publicized its response to the malware attack through a blog post.

Was any Customer Data Exfiltrated in the Attack?

As of this publication, there is no indication that the company's customers fell victim to data exfiltration during the attack. Furthermore, there was no impact on the company's third-party supply chain. SHI is currently making progress with several government agencies probing the digital offensive.

Did SHI pay the Requested Ransom?

When asked whether SHI paid the ransom to end the attack, a company spokesperson refused to respond. Furthermore, the spokesperson declined to indicate whether the attack was ransomware-related.

When was the Attack Acknowledged?

The attack was acknowledged by SHI this past Wednesday. An SHI social media manager used the social media platform Twitter to admit that hackers breached the company's digital defenses. The company's tweet served as its official announcement of the malware attack.

Have Similar Attacks hit any Other IT Services Providers

Indeed, some of the world’s leading IT managed services providers have also been hit hard by digital offensives. Examples of IT services providers recently hit by malware and other online offensives include Compucom, DXC Technology, Accenture, Tyler Technologies, and Cognizant.

It is clear that IT and other tech services providers are in hackers' crosshairs as we transition to the second half of 2022. Whether you work in IT, perform a role in another sector, or simply use a computer at home, you must implement the industry's latest system safeguards for comprehensive protection. By updating your digital security protections today, you can do your part to shield your financial investment in your computer, network, and other web-connected devices.