In today’s digital age, ransomware attacks have escalated to unprecedented levels, threatening businesses across all industries. The attack on the British logistics firm Knights of Old Group (KNP Logistics) in 2023 is a stark reminder of how destructive these attacks can be. Once a thriving company with a 150-year legacy, Knights of Old was forced to shut down due to a crippling ransomware attack—displacing over 700 employees and abruptly ending decades of business continuity.
According to reports, the attack on Knights of Old began on June 26, 2023, when cybercriminals infiltrated the company’s network using stolen credentials. They deployed the Akira ransomware, encrypting sensitive data and threatening to publish the company’s corporate and customer information if a ransom was not paid. The attackers mocked the company in their ransom note, intensifying the pressure through double extortion tactics.
Despite adhering to international data security standards and having cyber insurance, Knights of Old could not recover from the operational and reputational damage. By September 2023, the company ceased operations entirely—a significant loss for the logistics industry and a warning for businesses worldwide.
Unfortunately, the plight of Knights of Old is not an isolated incident. Ransomware attacks have surged globally, with a 105% increase in reported incidents between 2022 and 2023, according to cybersecurity firm Sophos. Threat actors are becoming more organized, often using data harvested by infostealers such as RedLine and Raccoon to launch highly targeted attacks.
Infostealers extract login credentials, system details, and sensitive data from compromised devices, which are then sold on underground forums. This intelligence allows ransomware gangs to infiltrate corporate networks more effectively, leading to catastrophic breaches.
At Cyberonix, we understand that ransomware is not just an IT issue—it’s a business continuity crisis. Our comprehensive cybersecurity solutions are designed to safeguard businesses from evolving threats like ransomware. Here’s how we help prevent such devastating attacks:
Cyberonix deploys enterprise-grade endpoint security solutions that monitor, detect, and block ransomware threats in real time. Our proactive threat intelligence ensures that ransomware and other malware strains are identified before they can cause damage.
Since many ransomware attacks begin with stolen credentials, Cyberonix enforces Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across all systems, preventing unauthorized access even if credentials are compromised. Our zero-trust security model ensures that every access attempt is verified before granting entry.
Phishing remains a leading entry point for ransomware attacks. Cyberonix provides regular security training to employees, equipping them with the knowledge to recognize and report phishing attempts, suspicious links, and unauthorized access attempts.
Cyberonix continuously scans the dark web for leaked credentials related to our clients, providing early warnings if employee or system login information has been compromised. This allows businesses to take immediate action before attackers exploit the data.
In the event of an attack, Cyberonix’s automated incident response mechanisms contain and neutralize threats swiftly. Our real-time log collection, analysis, and threat management systems ensure rapid detection and response to ransomware activities.
One of the most critical defenses against ransomware is having secure, offline backups. Cyberonix helps businesses implement immutable backups that cannot be tampered with, ensuring that they can recover their data without paying a ransom.
The downfall of Knights of Old underscores the urgent need for businesses to invest in cybersecurity. Key lessons include:
✔ Invest in Proactive Security Measures – Waiting until an attack happens is too late. Preventative security is essential.
✔ Implement Strong Access Controls – Use MFA, privileged access management, and zero-trust principles.
✔ Train Employees Regularly – Human error is a major vulnerability; training reduces risk.
✔ Monitor for Threats Constantly – Continuous monitoring detects threats before they escalate.
✔ Have a Robust Backup Strategy – Secure backups ensure business continuity in case of an attack.
Ransomware attacks are becoming more sophisticated, but businesses don’t have to be defenseless. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, companies can protect their operations, employees, and customers from the devastating consequences of cybercrime.
At Cyberonix, we specialize in enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions, helping businesses safeguard their digital assets and maintain resilience against cyber threats. Don’t wait until an attack happens—take proactive steps today to secure your business.
Contact us today to learn how we can fortify your organization against ransomware and other cyber threats.