Due to a computer hack by criminals on the parent company of several major tractor factories, part of the production has come to a standstill. The extortion attempt and computer hack at AGCO in the United States affects major brands such as Fendt, Massey Ferguson, Challenger, Gleaner, and Valtra.
The corporation announced last weekend that it had become a victim of a ransomware attack and expected business operations to be halted. Production lines at a facility in Germany have also stopped, but the company has so far provided no further information about the extent.
According to the Allgäuer Zeitung, thousands of Fendt employees at the site in Marktoberdorf were temporarily sent home. The newspaper reports that none of the computers at the Marktoberdorf company have Internet connection. As a result, no tractors could be produced, parts could not be ordered or loaded, and even pay slips could not be issued.
AGCO has a global revenue of more than $9 billion, employs 21,000 people, and owns several brands. There has been an ongoing wave of cyberattacks in the United States targeting semi-public companies and food agencies.
Last month, the FBI warned the agricultural sector of ransomware attacks. In September, the FBI issued a similar warning following ransomware attacks on two major food suppliers, NEW Cooperative and Crystal Valley.
All businesses directly related to food production and delivery are considered critical infrastructure targets and are being attacked by hackers for substantial financial gain.