World's largest meat provider hit by cyber-attack
The world's most significant meat processing company has been targeted by a advanced cyber-attack.
Computer networks in JBS were hacked, leading to some operations found in Australia, Canada and the US to temporarily turn off, affecting a large number of workers.
The business believes the ransomware attack comes from a criminal group likely located in Russia, the White House said.
The attack could bring about shortages of meat or raise charges for consumers.
In a ransomware attack, hackers get into a computer network and threaten to trigger disruption or delete files unless a ransom is paid out.
The White House says the FBI is investigating the attack.
"JBS notified [the White House] that the ransom demand originated from a criminal organisation likely located in Russia," White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said on Tuesday.
"The White House is engaging directly with the Russian federal government on this matter and delivering the concept that responsible states usually do not harbour ransomware criminals," she added.
JBS said it suspended all of the affected IT systems when the assault was detected, and that its backup servers weren't hacked. However many afflicted plants are still struggling to operate.
"Image resolution of the incident will take time, which might delay particular transactions with buyers and suppliers," JBS explained in a statement.
IT systems are essential in modern meat processing plants, with pcs used at multiple levels including billing and delivery.
In line with the trade group Beef Central, "supermarkets and other large end-users just like the McDonald's burger patty source network will be some of the most instantly impacted customers, due to their need for regular supply".
JBS's five biggest beef plant life are in the US, and the shutdowns have halted a fifth of meats production there, according to Bloomberg.
Plants found in Australia and Canada are also affected however the company's South American functions have not been disrupted.
Previous month, fuel delivery in the south east of the US was crippled for a number of days after a ransomware attack targeted the Colonial Pipeline. Investigators declare that assault was also linked to an organization with ties to Russia.
Colonial Pipeline has confirmed it paid a $4.4m (£3.1m) ransom to the cyber-criminal gang responsible.
The US government has recommended during the past that companies usually do not pay criminals over ransomware attacks, in case they invite further hacks later on.
