Air, Freight News

Malware hits Fedex systems, others unscathed – updated

[ May 17, 2017   //   Chris ]

Malware hits Fedex systems

FedEx has confirmed that some of its IT systems have been hit by the malware attack that has disrupted companies and organisations around the world, including the National Health Service in the UK.

In most cases, the malware has targeted companies with older Microsoft operating systems such as Windows XP that have not been ‘patched’ to prevent such attacks.

The express carrier has issued a statement saying: “Like many other companies, FedEx is experiencing interference with some of our Windows-based systems caused by malware. We are implementing remediation steps as quickly as possible. We regret any inconvenience to our customers.”

A DHL spokesman said that the express and logistics company “has not recorded any incidents involving the malware on our network, but our IT team is closely monitoring the situation and implementing a range of security measures to further strengthen our defences against any potential attack.”

There is widespread speculation that hackers are poised to make further attacks.

A UPS statement said: “UPS is aware of the reported cyber attack impacting some European hospital systems and other companies. Up to now, we have not experienced any impacts.  We continue to actively monitor the situation.”

HM Revenue & Customs added that none of its services affected.

Association of Freight Software Suppliers Gordon Tutt also said that he had not had any reports from members of any confirmed software problems.

However, he was able to give some insight into how the virus may have spread: “I did receive an email reported to be from the Home Office running up to the attack which had a ‘link to documents’ which in fact was from an email address in Russia. I reported this to the Home Office.”

He adds: “I believe similar emails were received at some NHS email addresses but not from the ‘Home Office’.”

Tags: FedEx