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Writer's pictureJohn Jordan

Cybersecurity Incident Disrupts New England Grocery Stores

A significant cybersecurity incident has impacted Stop & Shop and Hannaford grocery stores across New England, leading to empty shelves and disrupted services. The parent company, Ahold Delhaize USA, is investigating the issue with external cybersecurity experts and has notified law enforcement. Customers have reported difficulties with payment processing and online orders, raising concerns as the holiday season approaches.

Stop & Shop | BetterWorld Technology

Key Takeaways

  • Ahold Delhaize USA, the parent company of Stop & Shop and Hannaford, is facing a cybersecurity incident affecting operations.

  • Many stores are experiencing empty shelves and limited inventory due to disrupted supply chains.

  • Customers have reported issues with payment processing, particularly with debit and gift cards.

  • The company is working to restore services and ensure stores are stocked in the coming days.

Overview Of the Incident

The cybersecurity issue was detected last week, prompting immediate action from Ahold Delhaize USA. The company has stated that they are taking steps to assess and mitigate the problem, which has affected various services, including pharmacy operations and e-commerce functionalities. As a result, some stores have been unable to accept certain forms of payment, leading to customer frustration.

Impact On Stores

Reports indicate that many Stop & Shop and Hannaford locations are experiencing bare shelves, particularly in essential categories such as:

  • Dairy Products

  • Meat

  • Produce

  • Staples (e.g., bread, eggs)

Customers have expressed concern over the limited availability of products, especially with Thanksgiving approaching. Some have had to adjust their shopping lists significantly, while others are seeking alternatives at different stores.

Customer Experience

Customers have reported various challenges during this incident:

  1. Payment Issues: Many stores have been unable to process debit and gift card transactions, forcing customers to rely on cash or credit cards.

  2. Online Order Cancellations: Several online orders for pickup and delivery have been canceled due to the inability to access order information.

  3. Pharmacy Disruptions: Some pharmacies have faced difficulties in processing prescriptions, causing delays for customers needing medications.

Company Response

Ahold Delhaize USA has committed to resolving the issues as quickly as possible. They have stated:

  • All stores remain open and are serving customers despite the disruptions.

  • They are working diligently to restock shelves and restore normal operations.

  • The security of customers, associates, and partners is a top priority, and they are taking further actions to protect their systems.

As the investigation continues, Ahold Delhaize USA is focused on restoring full functionality to its stores and services. The company has acknowledged the inconvenience caused to customers and is committed to providing updates as the situation evolves. With the holiday season approaching, the urgency to resolve these issues is paramount for both the company and its customers.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, protecting your business is more critical than ever. BetterWorld Technology is dedicated to keeping you informed and prepared with expert insights and proactive strategies. Don’t wait for a breach—book a consultation with BetterWorld Technology today and let us help you build a resilient cybersecurity defense.

Sources

  • Stop & Shop, Hannaford parent company hit by cybersecurity incident, WCVB.

  • Hannaford's parent company says cybersecurity issue affected services, WMTW.

  • Stop & Shop parent company Ahold Delhaize hit by cybersecurity problem, CT Insider.

  • Stop & Shop, Hannaford stores impacted by cybersecurity incident – NBC Boston, NBC Boston.

  • Stop & Shop stores across Connecticut have bare shelves due to cybersecurity issue, WTNH.com.

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