Home improvement retailer Ace Hardware is currently unable to process online orders due to a malicious cyberattack that occurred recently. The news of the outage was first reported on Sunday when a Reddit user shared a note from CEO John Venhuizen explaining the incident. While Ace Hardware has not officially commented on the email, their website confirms that online orders cannot be processed at the moment, and customers are directed to make their purchases in-store.
According to Venhuizen’s memo, the cyber incident has affected warehouse management, invoice systems, and other delivery processes. The disruption caused by this incident has led to delays in shipments. Despite the setback, an update issued on Monday reassured stores that there were no known impacts on in-store payment and service systems. This indicated that the attack primarily targeted the company’s online operations.
Out of Ace Hardware’s 1,400 servers and 3,500 networked devices, a total of 1,202 devices were impacted by the cyberattack, as stated in a notice obtained by Bleeping Computer. As of early Thursday morning, approximately half of these devices had been restored. The update from Ace Hardware attributed the frustration and effort exerted in recovering from the attack to the actions of criminals. The details of the attack, including the identity of the perpetrators and the method they used to access the systems, have yet to be confirmed.
In addition to dealing with the effects of the cyberattack, Ace Hardware has also warned retailers to remain cautious of cybercriminals attempting to take advantage of the chaos. Retailers were advised to be vigilant against phishing attempts or any unauthorized attempts to remotely access in-store systems. This warning highlights the need for heightened cybersecurity measures during these challenging times.
Ace Hardware operates on a unique retailer-owned model, where store owners collectively form a cooperative of shareholders behind the company. This model has allowed Ace Hardware to expand its reach significantly. With more than 5,800 stores under its umbrella, the retailer has established a strong presence in the home improvement industry.
As Ace Hardware continues to recover from the cyberattack, efforts are being made to restore online ordering capabilities as soon as possible. The incident serves as a reminder of the increasing threat of cybercrime and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for businesses of all sizes. The retailer is likely working closely with cybersecurity experts to investigate the attack, identify vulnerabilities, and strengthen its systems to prevent future incidents.
Customers are advised to stay updated on Ace Hardware’s progress in restoring online ordering services and to consider visiting their nearest store for any immediate purchases. Despite the inconvenience caused by the cyberattack, Ace Hardware remains committed to providing quality products and services to its customers. The company’s track record and reputation in the industry should help restore faith in its online operations over time.
In conclusion, Ace Hardware is currently unable to process online orders due to a malicious cyberattack. Efforts are underway to recover from the attack and restore normal operations. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world. As Ace Hardware works towards resolving the issue, customers can continue to rely on their extensive network of physical stores for their home improvement needs.
