M&S Hackers Claim Responsibility for Major Jaguar Land Rover Cyber Attack

A group of English-speaking hackers, identifying themselves as 'Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters,' have claimed responsibility for a significant cyber attack that has halted production at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) facilities worldwide. The group, believed to consist mostly of teenagers, used the messaging app Telegram to boast about their intrusion into the car manufacturer's IT networks. Screenshots purportedly taken from within JLR's systems were shared, indicating a breach of sensitive internal data. The hackers, who have previously targeted UK retailers such as M&S, are allegedly attempting to extort money from the company, although they have not confirmed whether they have accessed private data or installed malicious software.

The attack has severely impacted JLR's operations, with production sites including those in Halewood and Solihull experiencing significant disruptions since the breach was discovered last Sunday. Staff were sent home as the company took immediate action to mitigate the attack's effects by shutting down systems. JLR is currently working to resume operations in a controlled manner, ensuring that global applications are restarted securely. The company has reassured customers that there is no evidence of stolen customer data, although the disruption to both retail and production activities remains substantial.

The group behind the attack has been linked to The Com, a network of young cyber criminals known for their notoriety in hacking circles. This latest iteration, Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters, combines members from previous groups like Shiny Hunters and Lapsus$. Their Telegram channel, which has amassed nearly 52,000 subscribers, serves as a platform for them to boast about their exploits and share in-group jokes. The National Crime Agency has previously warned about the threats posed by The Com, emphasizing the increasing boldness and capability of these young hackers.

This incident underscores the growing challenge of cyber security for major corporations. The sophistication and audacity of these young hackers highlight vulnerabilities that can have widespread ramifications for manufacturing and supply chains. As companies like Jaguar Land Rover work to restore normal operations, the broader implications of such attacks on global industries continue to unfold. Authorities remain vigilant, with previous arrests linked to similar cyber crimes, but the persistent threat requires ongoing attention and robust security measures to protect against future breaches.