The consequences of the ransomware attack on the franchisee of IKEA stores in Southeast Europe are still being felt, according to recent reports. The Fourlis Group, which operates IKEA stores in Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania, disclosed last year that the technical issues affecting the IKEA online shops were the result of “malicious external actions.”
The cyber attack took place in November 2024 and had a significant impact on the operations of IKEA in the affected countries. While Fourlis Group also operates stores for Intersport, Foot Locker, and Holland & Barrett in the region, it appears that IKEA was the primary target of the attack.
The extent of the attack was revealed in a recent press release, indicating that the incident caused temporary disruptions in store replenishment and specifically affected the interior design and e-commerce operations of the company. The technical issues persisted until February 2025, leading to ongoing challenges for the business.
The disruption in operations not only affected the supply chain but also impacted customer experience and sales for IKEA in Southeast Europe. The cyber attack highlighted the vulnerability of companies to cyber threats and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
In response to the attack, Fourlis Group took immediate steps to address the issue and mitigate the impact on its business operations. The company implemented enhanced cybersecurity measures and worked closely with cybersecurity experts to identify and address any vulnerabilities in its systems.
The incident serves as a reminder for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in proactive measures to safeguard their operations and data from cyber threats. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks, companies need to remain vigilant and continuously update their cybersecurity practices to stay ahead of potential threats.
Moving forward, Fourlis Group and IKEA are focused on restoring normal operations and rebuilding customer trust in the affected regions. By learning from this experience and strengthening their cybersecurity posture, the companies aim to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the security of their online operations.
As the investigation into the cyber attack continues, both Fourlis Group and IKEA remain committed to transparency and communication with customers and stakeholders. By addressing the challenges posed by the attack head-on, the companies are working to minimize the impact on their business and reassure customers of their commitment to cybersecurity and data protection.