UK Logistics Giant Collapses After Cyber Breach, 700 Jobs Lost Due to Weak Password
July 22, 2025 | 🖋 Edited by Sachin | Universal Khabar
A legendary British transport company with over 150 years of history has permanently shut down after suffering a major cyberattack. The cause? A weak employee password that gave cybercriminals access to critical internal systems — leading to the loss of 700 jobs.
How the Breach Happened
Hackers believed to be part of the Akira ransomware group managed to gain unauthorized entry into the company's digital infrastructure. Once inside, they encrypted core business files and blocked employees from accessing vital tools.
The attack originated from a guessed password, possibly belonging to a senior team member, although the company’s leadership has chosen not to publicly identify the individual responsible.
Despite having insurance against cyber threats and following standard IT practices, the firm couldn’t withstand the financial and operational impact.
A chilling message was left by the attackers:
"Your internal network is gone. Let's not waste time on blame—let's talk."
Although the exact ransom was not revealed, industry analysts estimate the demand may have been close to £5 million. The company could not meet this demand, resulting in permanent data loss and total shutdown.
About the Company
The company, known for operating nearly 500 transport trucks across the UK — mainly under the Knights of Old brand — had been a cornerstone in British logistics since the 1860s.
Aftermath for Workers
Roughly 700 employees lost their jobs after the company ceased operations. Many had spent years, even decades, working there. The sudden shutdown has impacted not only staff but also local economies that relied on its business.
The Bigger Cybersecurity Picture
This incident serves as a reminder of how even a single weak password can jeopardize an entire organization. Similar cyberattacks have affected major UK companies like Co-op, M&S, and Harrods in recent years.
How to Stay Protected:
To reduce risks, every business—large or small—should:
- Enforce strong and unique passwords
- Use multi-factor authentication (2FA)
- Backup critical data offline
- Conduct regular employee training on cyber threats
- Monitor systems for unusual activity
Question for You:
Could your business survive a similar cyberattack? What steps have you taken to protect your passwords and data?
Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments!
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