Recent Cyber Security Breaches: Schreiber Foods, Centara Hotels & Resorts & More

As a managed IT service provider it is important to us to make sure to stay in know about the latest cyber security breaches. Every few weeks we like to share our findings with you here on our blog. Please take a peek below to learn more about some of the most recent cyber security attacks here and around the world.

Schreiber Foods (United States)

Dairy Processor

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “Wisconsin-based dairy powerhouse Schreiber Foods said its plants and distribution centers are back up and running after a ransomware attack ground operations to a halt over the weekend. The company announced that a “cyber event” had disrupted operations at its processing and distribution centers after critical systems were knocked or taken offline. Schreiber uses a variety of digital systems and computers to manage milk processing, so this event impacted the entire dairy supply chain in the US. This is the latest incident in a string of massive production-impacting cyberattacks against agricultural sector targets. The company is the largest milk processor in Wisconsin, and it has reportedly been hit with a $2.5 million ransom demand.” -ID Agent

Graff (United Kingdom)

Jeweler

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “The Conti ransomware gang made headlines again with a successful ransomware attack against high-society jeweler Graff. The company counts clients like Donald Trump, David Beckham, Oprah Winfrey and other major-league clientele. Graff operates at the top end of the diamond jewelry market, with more than 60 retail stores worldwide. Reports say that the Conti group has already posted 69,000 confidential documents on its dark web leak site including client lists, contact data and other proprietary information. Ransom demands are reported to be in the millions of pounds.” -ID Agent

Sinclair Broadcast Group (United States)

Television Station Operator

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “Sinclair Broadcast Group, the operator of 184 tv stations in 86 US markets, experienced a cyberattack last week that knocked broadcasts offline. The disruption was extensive, knocking local news broadcasts and syndicated programs offline. In some markets, NFL Sunday broadcasts were also disrupted. An unspecified amount of data was also stolen from the company’s network.” -ID Agent

Centara Hotels & Resorts (Thailand)

Hotel Chain

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “The Desorden ransomware group claims to have stolen over 400GB of files and databases containing information belonging to millions of hotel guests of Thailand’s Centara Hotels & Resorts. The hotel chain is part of Central Group, a conglomerate that also includes the Central Restaurants Group, which it hacked earlier this month. The hackers made it clear that this attack was in retaliation for the Central Group’s refusal to pay the ransom for the first attack after negotiating and promising payment. That incident would have provided a ransom payment of $900,000 before Central Group backed out of the deal on Tuesday, spurring the second attack.” -ID Agent

Ferrara Candy Company (United States)

Candy Manufacturer

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “Boo! Greedy cybercriminals unleashed their tricks on Ferrara Candy Company just one week away from Halloween. The company, maker of Brach’s Candy Corn, Nerds and Trolli gummies among other treats, has been in the confectionary business since 1901. Ferrara said that the attack briefly disrupted production operations. However, they were quick to assure anxious consumers that they didn’t need to worry about missing their Halloween favorites – Halloween orders were shipped to stores in August.” -ID Agent

Tesco (United Kingdom)

Supermarket Chain

The Hack: Hacking

Quick Summary: “Ubiquitous UK supermarket chain Tesco left customers scrambling after a cyberattack disrupted its web services over the weekend. The company said that unnamed cyberattacks began impacting its systems on Friday night. Beginning Saturday and rolling into Sunday intermittently, shoppers were unable to place orders or track deliveries. The incident also impacted the Tesco app.” -ID Agent

To learn more about how to keep your company safe and secure from cyber security attacks, click here to explore our San Diego IT Services & IT Security plans that are offered by SDTEK.

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.
April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.