NMR responded to this attack immediately by shutting down all systems as a precautionary measure. It has been gradually reinstating systems once all necessary checks have been completed. The company has informed customers and the industry regularly and assured them that the robustness of its laboratory testing services has not been affected and that there has not been any breach of data resulting from the virus attack.
Andy Warne, NMR Group MD, has made this statement: “From October 10, we were able to provide a full milk recording service again, replacing any requirement for the interim recording service we put in place. Our processing office at Harrogate, as well as field staff and milk recorders, are clearing the data processing backlog and I cannot thank them enough for their hard work and dedication in updating our customers’ records.
‘’Milk recording data, including action lists, can be viewed on our online reporting system Herd Companion, and any additional data that is included in this comprehensive service will be added as soon as it is available. We hope to enable the data entry function on Herd Companion, and the real time data link with the Uniform dairy management program, in the week commencing October 28. NML test data can be accessed by all producers through this website using the Milk Quality Monitor system.
“All our routine NML milk payment testing and reporting systems are now back to normal. Any producers who are not receiving reports in their usual format should contact NML directly on 01902 749920.
“NMR has been victim of a ransomware attack and we followed the advice of software security experts not to pay the ransom. As a result, this has led to the disruption of services to all NMR clients and I sincerely apologise to all those affected.
“An investigation continues into the attack, using a forensic company to ascertain how the virus initially gained access into its system and, more importantly, into ensuring it does not happen again. The virus attack has also been reported to the National Cyber Security Centre and the police are involved.
“Along with the whole NMR team, I continue to thank our customers for their continued patience as we recover our systems.”