Ward Transport & Logistics Reports Data Breach: Sensitive Customer Information Compromised

Ward Transport & Logistics, a Pennsylvania-based logistics company, recently disclosed a significant data breach that compromised sensitive information. On October 2, 2024, Ward filed a notice of data breach with the Attorney General of Massachusetts, revealing that unauthorized access had been detected involving a variety of personal information, including names, Social Security numbers, financial information, medical records, and driver’s license numbers. The company has since begun notifying individuals affected by the incident and is offering identity protection services to help mitigate the potential fallout from the breach.

The breach reportedly affected multiple layers of Ward Transport’s network and involved approximately 574.14 gigabytes of data. The attack, attributed to a group known as “Dragon Force,” led to a significant operational impact, including halting the company’s freight services and creating disruptions in the supply chain. Reports suggest that, despite the incident, there is no evidence of leaked customer or employee data beyond what was initially accessed by the attackers.

Ward Transport’s response included notifying relevant authorities, conducting a thorough review of the compromised files, and implementing further cybersecurity measures to prevent future breaches. There is also speculation that the company may have negotiated with the hackers, as the stolen data was later removed from a dark web leak post. The breach is a reminder of the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting the transportation industry, and the need for stronger cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive data.

For affected individuals, Ward Transport has recommended steps such as monitoring credit reports, changing passwords, and taking advantage of the complimentary identity protection services being provided. This incident underscores the risks and challenges faced by logistics firms in safeguarding their data, especially given the increasing number of targeted cyberattacks on supply chain businesses.

Sources:

• JDSupra: Ward Transport Sends Data Breach Letters Following “Data Security Incident.”
• Strauss Borrelli PLLC: Ward Transport and Logistics Data Breach Investigation.
• Xact IT Solutions: Ward Trucking Cyberattack Analysis.