Cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover causes on-going disruption
Cyber-Attack Disrupts Jaguar Land Rover Operations and Threatens Annual Sales
A cyber-attack that affected Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) earlier this month was reportedly carried out by the same group responsible for the suspension of Marks & Spencer's online retail operations earlier in the year. The attack, which started on Sunday, 31 August, has caused significant disruptions and concerns for the automotive giant.
The attack affected JLR plants in Halewood, Solihull, and an engine manufacturing site in Wolverhampton, causing workers to stay away until Tuesday, 9 September. This disruption has posed concerns about vulnerabilities in cyber defences that need to be addressed urgently, according to GlobalData analyst Justin Cox. The longer the disruption lasts, the more damaging it will be for JLR, its dealers, and suppliers, not just in the UK but across the world.
The attack came ahead of the change to new year-identifier numbers on the standard issue registration plates of new cars sold in the UK in September. This period, known as the September plate change, is a major marketing and promotional opportunity for UK manufacturers, as March and September have a higher proportion of annual sales due to the change in registration plates. The disruption caused by the cyber-attack threatens to undermine this opportunity.
GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, has offered a buyer's guide to cybersecurity solutions providers in the automotive industry. Downloading the guide may result in receiving information from partners/sponsors about their products and services. However, GlobalData's privacy policy explains how they may use, process, and share personal data, including information about unsubscribing from future marketing communications.
The teenage hacking group responsible for the attack has not been publicly identified. The Just Auto Excellence Awards, which celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact in the automotive industry, offer recognition, elevate industry profiles, and position entrants among top leaders driving automotive industry advancements. These awards serve as a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the industry.
As the automotive industry continues to digitalise, the need for effective cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly important. The cyber-attack on JLR serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks and the urgent need for action.
