Vet chain CVS hit by cyber attack
CVS says it took action immediately after learning of the attack, and took its IT systems offline temporarily to prevent a wider breach.
“Our responses to contain the threat of malicious activity have caused considerable operational disruption over the past week, but to date have been effective in preventing further external access to CVS systems,” the business said. “Whilst the prompt actions taken by the Group have limited the cyber incident, they have resulted in disruption to UK operations.”
The firm has brought in third-party consultants to investigate the incident. It has also informed authorities, including the Information Commissioner’s Office, “due to the risk of malicious access to personal information”.
IT services are now “effectively restored,” but “ are not working as efficiently as previously”. The business said this disruption is likely to have an “operational impact”. The disruption only impacts CVS’s UK business, with its operations elsewhere unaffected.
Markets did not appear to be concerned about the impact of the attack, as CVS shares rose by 1% to 954.5p this morning. CVS shares have been under pressure over the last year because of a CMA investigation into consolidation in the vet sector.
Analysts at Peel Hunt said: “Although we anticipate this will be disruptive in the short term, we do not see this incident as having longer-term impact.”
CVS said it will provide a further update in due course.
