Mass Hack Affects Multiple Organizations After Cyber Criminals Break into Prominent Software

A mass hack has affected a growing number of organizations, including the BBC, British Airways, Boots, and Aer Lingus, after cyber criminals broke into a prominent piece of software to gain access to multiple companies in one go.

Personal data, including national insurance numbers and in some cases bank details, may have been stolen.

The US-based software company Progress Software first disclosed the hack last week and has since released a security update.

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre is monitoring the situation and has urged affected organizations to carry out security updates.

It is believed that the cyber criminals responsible are linked to the notorious Cl0p ransomware group, based in Russia, and may attempt to extort money from affected organizations.

Staff at affected companies have been warned to be vigilant of suspicious emails that could lead to further cyber attacks.

The incident highlights the importance of supply chain security and the need for companies to be aware of vulnerabilities in the software they use.