In February 2021, the Bénéteau Group, a France-based multinational company specializing in boat and recreational vehicle manufacturing, fell victim to a malware attack believed to be a ransomware assault. The attack was likely initiated through a phishing email, allowing hackers to infiltrate the company’s IT systems. The malware disrupted operations severely, halting production in France for multiple days as the infection spread.To contain the breach, Bénéteau Group was forced to shut down all IT systems and disconnect from its information networks, including disabling the telephone system. The attack caused significant operational downtime, leading to production stoppages, financial losses, and reputational damage. While the company did not disclose full details, the incident exhibited characteristics of a targeted ransomware attack, potentially involving data encryption and demands for payment. The disruption threatened the organization’s ability to function normally, impacting supply chains and business continuity.
Source: https://www.securityweek.com/boat-building-giant-beneteau-says-cyberattack-disrupted-production
TPRM report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/groupe-beneteau
"id": "gro251092125",
"linkid": "groupe-beneteau",
"type": "Ransomware",
"date": "2/2021",
"severity": "100",
"impact": "5",
"explanation": "Attack threatening the organization’s existence"{'affected_entities': [{'industry': 'boating/manufacturing',
'location': 'France',
'name': 'Bénéteau Group',
'type': 'corporation'}],
'attack_vector': 'phishing email',
'date_detected': '2021-02',
'description': 'In February 2021, France-based Bénéteau Group experienced a '
'malware attack on their computer system. The hackers likely '
'used a phishing email to implement the malware, which slowed '
'down or halted production in France for days. The company '
'disconnected from all information systems to prevent the '
'malware from spreading, resulting in IT systems and telephone '
'services being shut down. The attack bore markings of a '
'ransomware assault.',
'impact': {'downtime': 'days',
'operational_impact': 'production slowdown/halt in France',
'systems_affected': ['IT systems', 'telephone system']},
'initial_access_broker': {'entry_point': 'phishing email'},
'investigation_status': 'limited details disclosed',
'response': {'containment_measures': ['disconnection from all information '
'systems'],
'incident_response_plan_activated': True},
'title': 'Malware Attack on Bénéteau Group (February 2021)',
'type': ['malware', 'ransomware (suspected)']}