Ahold Delhaize Cyberattack: A Deep Dive into the Ransomware Breach

Ahold Delhaize Cyberattack: A Deep Dive into the Ransomware Breach

Alex Cipher's Profile Pictire Alex Cipher 5 min read

Ahold Delhaize, a prominent multinational retail and wholesale company, recently faced a significant cybersecurity breach. The attack, attributed to the ransomware group INC Ransom, was publicly disclosed on November 8, 2024, after the company detected a cybersecurity incident that required taking certain IT systems offline (BleepingComputer). The hackers claimed to have exfiltrated approximately 6 terabytes of data, marking a substantial breach in the company’s security infrastructure. This incident underscores the growing threat of ransomware attacks, which have been on the rise globally, with a notable increase in 2024 (Cyberint).

The Cyberattack: Timeline, Discovery, and Data Theft

Timeline of the Cyberattack

The cyberattack on Ahold Delhaize, a multinational retail and wholesale company, was first publicly disclosed on November 8, 2024. This disclosure came after the company detected a cybersecurity incident that necessitated taking certain IT systems offline as a protective measure. The ransomware group, INC Ransom, later claimed responsibility for the attack (BleepingComputer).

The attack was significant in scale, with the hackers claiming to have exfiltrated approximately 6 terabytes of data. Despite the attack occurring in November, the public claim by INC Ransom was not made until April 2025, highlighting a delay between the attack and the acknowledgment by the hackers (TechPulse).

Discovery of the Cyberattack

The discovery of the cyberattack was part of an ongoing investigation by Ahold Delhaize. Upon detection, the company initiated a thorough investigation to determine the extent of the breach and the specific data that may have been compromised. Ahold Delhaize’s spokesperson confirmed that certain files were taken from their internal U.S. business systems, but the exact nature of the data was still under investigation as of the latest updates (BleepingComputer).

In response to the incident, Ahold Delhaize took immediate action by notifying law enforcement and working closely with cybersecurity experts to mitigate the impact of the attack. The company emphasized that its stores and e-commerce services remained operational despite the breach (BleepingComputer).

Data Theft and Its Implications

The data theft involved a substantial amount of information, with INC Ransom claiming to have stolen 6 terabytes of data. The hackers threatened to publish the stolen data, which included sensitive documents such as a non-disclosure agreement signed by a visitor to an Ahold Delhaize site, and personal identifiers of individuals (La DH/Les Sports+).

The implications of such a data breach are severe, potentially affecting the privacy and security of customers and employees. Ahold Delhaize has committed to notifying affected individuals if personal data is confirmed to have been compromised. The company has also updated law enforcement agencies about the breach, indicating the seriousness with which it is treating the incident (BleepingComputer).

Ransomware Group Involvement

INC Ransom, the group claiming responsibility for the attack, has been active in targeting U.S.-based organizations, particularly in the healthcare sector. Microsoft has tracked a member of this group, known as ‘Vanilla Tempest,’ who has been involved in similar attacks, including a notable breach at the State Bar of Texas (BleepingComputer).

The involvement of INC Ransom highlights the growing threat of ransomware groups that are increasingly sophisticated and bold in their operations. The group’s affiliation with Russian hackers adds a layer of complexity to the geopolitical implications of such cyberattacks (TechPulse).

Broader Context of Ransomware Attacks in 2024

The attack on Ahold Delhaize is part of a broader trend of increasing ransomware incidents globally. In 2024, ransomware attacks reached record levels, with 5,414 published attacks, representing an 11% increase from the previous year. The fourth quarter of 2024 saw a dramatic spike in ransomware activity, accounting for 33% of all attacks that year (Cyberint).

The rise in ransomware attacks has been attributed to the emergence of new groups and variants, as well as the continued focus on high-value industries such as healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure. This trend underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime (BlackFog).

In conclusion, the cyberattack on Ahold Delhaize serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by organizations in the digital age. The incident highlights the need for robust cybersecurity strategies and the importance of timely communication and cooperation with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to mitigate the impact of such attacks.

Final Thoughts

The Ahold Delhaize cyberattack is a wake-up call for businesses worldwide, illustrating that even industry giants are not immune to digital threats. The involvement of INC Ransom, a group notorious for targeting U.S.-based organizations, underscores the sophistication and audacity of modern ransomware groups (BleepingComputer). As ransomware incidents continue to rise, with 2024 seeing record levels of attacks, companies must bolster their cybersecurity defenses and foster collaboration with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to effectively counteract these threats (BlackFog).

References

Related Articles