Belgian HR and payroll giant, SD Worx, recently suffered a cyberattack, forcing the company to shut down all IT systems. This shut down is for its UK and Ireland services. SD Worx’s security team reveals a preventative isolation of all systems and servers to contain the impact. While the company’s other European login portals continue to work correctly, the UK customer portal remains inaccessible. The extent of the cyberattack and the type of attack are need more revelation.
SD Worx Services Millions of Employees and Thousands of Companies
SD Worx is a European HR and payroll management company. It is in Belgium, with over 82,000 companies and 5.2 million employees serviced, according to its website. As a full-service human resources and payroll company, SD Worx manages a large amount of sensitive data for its client’s employees, which may include tax information, government ID numbers, addresses, full names, birth dates, phone numbers, bank account numbers, employee evaluations, and more.
Customer Concerns Over Sensitive Data Compromised
Following the cyberattack, a customer told experts that there was concern that sensitive data may have been stolen. The company has not confirmed if any data was compromised. Previous attacks against payroll and HR management companies have led to lawsuits for inadequately protecting customers’ data. In 2021, a cyberattack against PrismHR caused a massive customer outage. Later that year, a ransomware attack against Kronos led to the filing of a class-action lawsuit against the company.
SD Worx Confirms Not a Ransomware Attack
In an update, SD Worx confirmed that the attack was not a ransomware attack and that there is no evidence to assume any data was compromised. However, the company has pre-emptively isolated its systems to mitigate any further impact and adequately assess the threat.
SD Worx’s Response to the Cyberattack
SD Worx has been communicating with its UK and Ireland customers to keep them informed about the situation. The company emphasizes that it applies extremely stringent organizational and technical security measures to secure the privacy and data of its customers at all times. SD Worx is working hard to find a solution to give customers access to its systems again.
What Companies Can Learn from the SD Worx Cyberattack?
The SD Worx cyberattack highlights the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data. Companies that manage employee data, financial data, or other sensitive information must take extra care to secure their IT systems. Regular cybersecurity assessments, employee training on cybersecurity best practices, and keeping systems up-to-date with the latest security patches are some of the steps companies can take to minimize the risk of a cyberattack.
Final Thoughts
The SD Worx cyberattack serves as a reminder that no company is immune to cyber threats. As businesses continue to rely more on digital technology, it is essential to prioritize cybersecurity to safeguard sensitive data and prevent costly data breaches. Companies must stay vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity efforts to ensure the protection of their customers’ data.
