Mile Hi Foods Ransomware Attack Exposes Cybersecurity Risks

Incident Date:

September 26, 2024

World map

Overview

Title

Mile Hi Foods Ransomware Attack Exposes Cybersecurity Risks

Victim

Mile Hi Foods

Attacker

Play

Location

Denver, USA

Colorado, USA

First Reported

September 26, 2024

Ransomware Attack on Mile Hi Foods: A Closer Look at the PLAY Ransomware Group's Latest Target

Mile Hi Foods, a prominent food distribution company based in Denver, Colorado, has recently fallen victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the notorious PLAY ransomware group. This attack has raised significant concerns within the cybersecurity community, given the company's critical role in the food distribution sector and its longstanding partnership with McDonald's.

About Mile Hi Foods

Founded in 1901, Mile Hi Foods has grown from a small fruit and vegetable vendor to a major player in the food distribution industry. The company is part of the Mile Hi Companies, which also includes Mile Hi Warehousing & Logistics and TMT Trucking. With approximately 300 employees, Mile Hi Foods is known for its extensive distribution network, serving over 360 McDonald's locations across Colorado and neighboring states. The company's commitment to sustainability and community involvement further distinguishes it in the industry.

Attack Overview

The PLAY ransomware group has claimed responsibility for the attack on Mile Hi Foods, threatening to publish compromised data on their dark web leak site. The breach has exposed a wide array of sensitive information, including client documents, payroll records, and financial data. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities that even well-established companies face in the digital age, particularly those with extensive supply chain operations.

About the PLAY Ransomware Group

Active since June 2022, the PLAY ransomware group has targeted various industries, including transportation and critical infrastructure. Known for exploiting vulnerabilities in RDP servers and Microsoft Exchange, the group employs sophisticated techniques to gain access to networks. Their attacks often involve the use of custom tools and network scanners, making them a formidable threat to organizations worldwide.

Potential Vulnerabilities

Mile Hi Foods' reliance on advanced warehouse management systems and technology-driven logistics processes may have inadvertently exposed them to cyber threats. The company's extensive network and partnerships could have provided multiple entry points for the ransomware group. The attack highlights the importance of effective cybersecurity measures, especially for companies with significant digital infrastructure.

Sources

Recent Ransomware Attacks

The Recent Ransomware Attacks (RRA) site acts as a watchtower, providing you with near real-time ransomware tracking of attacks, groups and their victims. Given threat actors’ overarching, lucrative success so far, ransomware attacks have become the most ubiquitous, and financially and informationally impactful cyber threat to businesses and organizations today.

The site’s data is generated based on hosting choices of real-world threat actors, and a handful of other trackers. While sanitization efforts have been taken, we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy of the data. Attack updates will be made as source data is reported by reputable sources. By viewing, accessing, or using RRA you acknowledge you are doing so at your own risk.