A History of Breaches

Analyzing Potential Attack Vectors with a Lares Perspective

Based on collective insights, we can speculate on possible entry points and vulnerabilities exploited during the attack. Drawing on our offensive security and simulation experience, here are some potential vectors:

• E-commerce Platform Vulnerabilities: Attackers might have used unpatched software, SQL injection, or even zero-day exploits within the online ordering system. Regular testing of e-commerce platforms for vulnerabilities is crucial, and Lares’ application security assessment methodology includes robust testing for these risks to help organizations mitigate them in advance​.
• Third-Party Vendor Risks: Modern supply chains are highly interconnected, and a weak link in a third-party vendor can often serve as an entry point for attackers. Lares' vendor risk assessments can provide the necessary oversight to ensure that vendors comply with security standards​​.
• Social Engineering and Phishing: Employees with access to critical systems may have been targeted in a phishing campaign, facilitating initial access or malware deployment. Lares’ phishing simulations and training programs equip employees to recognize and resist these attacks​.
• Point-of-Sale (POS) System Vulnerabilities: The disruption in in-store payment systems suggests possible compromises in POS systems, which may have been vulnerable due to outdated security configurations or inadequate defenses against malware. Lares recommends comprehensive POS testing and physical security integration to ensure these systems remain secure​.
• IT Systems as Central Target: Reports indicate that Ahold Delhaize’s core IT infrastructure was likely compromised, highlighting the need for hardened, resilient systems. Lares' incident response capabilities can help organizations reduce "dwell time," allowing for quicker identification and response to active threats​.

Beyond the Headlines: Trends and Tactics in the Cyber Grocery Wars

The Ahold Delhaize incident reflects broader trends affecting the retail and grocery sectors. A Security Squawk episode recently covered similar ransomware incidents, which continue to grow in frequency and complexity. Cybercriminal groups like Black Basta use tactics such as:

• Mass Email Spam Campaigns: Flooding inboxes with malicious links and attachments that deploy malware on click.
• Microsoft Teams Exploitation: Leveraging vulnerabilities within widely used platforms, often through social engineering, to gain access.
• QR Codes and Vishing: Directing victims to malicious websites via QR codes or engaging them in voice phishing to extract credentials.

Lares has witnessed similar tactics in our purple teaming engagements. We’ve observed a growing dependence on reactive measures, such as EDR/XDR, that can fall short against sophisticated, socially engineered attacks. Instead, Lares advocates for a proactive defense through offensive security testing and employee training​​.

Response Strategy: Lessons from the Aisle of Cyber Insecurity

The Ahold Delhaize attack underscores the importance of a robust, multi-faceted cybersecurity strategy in high-impact industries like retail. Here are critical takeaways for both attackers and defenders:

For the Attackers:

Disrupting essential services like grocery supply chains can yield significant chaos, attention, and potential financial gain. Attacks on this sector will likely become more frequent as attackers target weak or outdated infrastructure, unprepared third-party systems, and human vulnerabilities.

For the Defenders:

A robust cybersecurity posture is essential. Organizations should incorporate these strategies, which are core to Lares’ service offerings:

1. Proactive Vendor Risk Management: Third-party vulnerabilities must be identified and mitigated early on. Vendor risk assessments by Lares are designed to address security gaps and ensure compliance with industry standards​​.
2. Employee Training and Security Awareness: Security awareness is the first line of defense. Lares offers simulation and training services to prepare employees against phishing, vishing, and other social engineering tactics​.
3. Application Security Assessments: Securing online platforms is crucial in today’s retail environment. Lares' application security assessment methodology identifies and remediates vulnerabilities in real-time, reducing risks in customer-facing services like e-commerce​.
4. POS and Physical Security Testing: Retail environments require both digital and physical security. Lares’ physical security testing integrates with POS assessments to ensure all possible entry points are protected​.
5. Incident Response Readiness: Dwell time, or the period attackers remain undetected, can make or break an organization’s response. Lares’ incident response services are designed to minimize detection time and limit damage during an attack​.

Building a Security-First Culture with Lares

To guard against threats, companies must prioritize security across all levels, from infrastructure to employee behavior. Lares' purple teaming and security awareness programs help organizations strengthen this security-first mindset, ensuring that employees, systems, and processes are resilient against emerging threats.

The grocery aisle is now a frontline in cyber warfare as attackers seek to disrupt critical supply chains. Ahold Delhaize's experience is a strong reminder: every organization must adapt, enhance its strategies, and fortify its defenses. 

With Lares as a partner, businesses can build a proactive security stance, reducing risks and safeguarding the continuity of essential services.