Starbucks has been forced to manually process payroll for its baristas following a ransomware attack on Blue Yonder, a third-party software provider used to manage employee schedules. The disruption has prompted Starbucks to ensure all workers are paid accurately despite the system outage, according to spokesperson Jaci Anderson.
The attack on Arizona-based Blue Yonder, which provides cloud services to major retailers and Fortune 500 companies, has impacted a range of businesses beyond Starbucks. In the UK, two of the top four grocery chains have also reported adjustments due to the Blue Yonder outage, highlighting the widespread effects of the cybersecurity breach.
Automaker Ford is currently assessing any potential impact on its operations related to the incident. Meanwhile, Blue Yonder has engaged cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike to assist in recovering from the hack.
Ransomware attacks, which typically involve hackers locking systems to demand ransom, have become increasingly common. According to crypto-tracking firm Chainalysis, these attacks resulted in $1.1 billion in ransom payments globally in 2023. The holiday season is a particularly vulnerable time for such threats, as businesses are pressured to maintain operations amid increased consumer demand. A study by cybersecurity firm Semperis revealed that 86% of organizations facing ransomware attacks were targeted during holidays or weekends.
For Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, the ransomware incident adds to ongoing challenges, including addressing three consecutive quarters of declining sales. The company is actively working to minimize the impact of the Blue Yonder disruption and ensure a seamless experience for both employees and customers.
