CPI: CPI and The Agency suffer cyber attacks as publisher profits 'hit significantly'

UK Book Printer CPI and Marketing Agency The Agency Hit by Ransomware Attacks

The UK’s largest book printer, CPI, and marketing firm The Agency have both fallen victim to ransomware attacks, according to reports from The Bookseller. The incidents, which have disrupted operations, highlight growing cybersecurity threats in the publishing and media sectors.

While details remain limited, the attacks underscore the vulnerability of critical supply chain and service providers in the book industry. Neither company has publicly confirmed the extent of the breaches or whether ransom demands were made. The timing of the attacks coincides with broader concerns over cyber risks in publishing, as digital transformation and third-party dependencies increase exposure.

The impact on CPI a key supplier for major publishers could have ripple effects across the industry, potentially delaying print production and distribution. The Agency, which works with publishers and authors, may face operational disruptions affecting marketing campaigns and client services.

As ransomware attacks continue to target businesses of all sizes, the incidents serve as a reminder of the need for robust cybersecurity measures in sectors not traditionally seen as high-risk targets. Further updates on the scope and fallout of the attacks are expected as investigations proceed.

Source: https://www.thebookseller.com/news/cpi-and-the-agency-suffer-cyber-attacks-as-publisher-profits-hit-significantly

CPI cybersecurity rating report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/uk-cpi

"id": "UK-1770508589",
"linkid": "uk-cpi",
"type": "Ransomware",
"date": "2/2025",
"severity": "100",
"impact": "5",
"explanation": "Attack threatening the organization's existence"

{'affected_entities': [{'customers_affected': 'major publishers',
                        'industry': 'publishing',
                        'location': 'UK',
                        'name': 'CPI',
                        'size': 'largest book printer in the UK',
                        'type': 'book printer'},
                       {'customers_affected': 'publishers and authors',
                        'industry': 'media/marketing',
                        'location': 'UK',
                        'name': 'The Agency',
                        'type': 'marketing agency'}],
 'description': 'The UK’s largest book printer, CPI, and marketing firm The '
                'Agency have both fallen victim to ransomware attacks, '
                'disrupting operations and highlighting growing cybersecurity '
                'threats in the publishing and media sectors.',
 'impact': {'downtime': 'potential delays in print production and distribution',
            'operational_impact': 'disrupted operations, potential delays in '
                                  'marketing campaigns and client services'},
 'investigation_status': 'ongoing',
 'lessons_learned': 'The incidents serve as a reminder of the need for robust '
                    'cybersecurity measures in sectors not traditionally seen '
                    'as high-risk targets.',
 'references': [{'source': 'The Bookseller'}],
 'title': 'UK Book Printer CPI and Marketing Agency The Agency Hit by '
          'Ransomware Attacks',
 'type': 'ransomware'}