Ahold Delhaize confirms data breach after INC Ransom attack

International retailer Ahold Delhaize, owner of brands such as Hannaford, Stop & Shop, Food Lion and others, has officially confirmed that a cyberattack in the fall of 2024 resulted in a data breach from the internal systems of its US division.

Ahold Delhaize USA said the incident, which occurred in October, affected the company’s internal business systems. While the exact amount of information stolen is not yet known, it is believed to be internal files related to operational activities.

The hacker group INC Ransom claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming to have stolen 6 terabytes of data. The breach caused problems with online orders and a temporary outage of store websites in the US.

• The company said it successfully contained the incident thanks to its cybersecurity protocols. An investigation is underway with the participation of independent experts, and in the event of a confirmed leak of personal data, victims will be notified accordingly. Law enforcement agencies are involved in the case.
• Ahold Delhaize is one of the world’s largest retailers, which recorded sales of over $24 billion in 2023. Over 2,000 stores in the US make it an extremely attractive target for hacking groups.
• INC Ransom appeared in 2023, actively attacking large companies and government agencies throughout Europe and North America. Their victims included Yamaha, Xerox, energy companies in Romania and even the defense agency of Hungary. Some experts believe that INC is a rebranding of the Lynx group, or is using their code.

This incident is yet another confirmation that even giants with advanced security systems are not invulnerable. Of particular concern is the impact of the attack on operational processes in the food supply chain, a critical sector of the US economy.

Companies need to not only invest in cybersecurity, but also ensure transparent communication with customers, given the risk of personal data leakage and repeated attacks through compromised infrastructure.