Starbucks admits to Blue Yonder breach affecting employee schedule management system
In a significant cybersecurity incident, Blue Yonder, a leading software firm based in Arizona, disclosed a ransomware attack on Friday that has disrupted essential workflows for various industries, including retail and logistics[1]. One of the most affected companies is Starbucks, who are currently collaborating with Blue Yonder to resolve the platform disruption[2].
The attack has impacted Starbucks' employee scheduling and hours tracking systems, causing operational setbacks[3]. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the indispensable role of such technologies in modern businesses and the risks associated with third-party software dependencies[4].
The ransomware attack, which occurred in May 2025, is part of a rising trend of cyberattacks affecting supply chains and critical business infrastructure[4]. Similar incidents, such as the one against JBS Foods three years ago, have exposed the vulnerability of sectors like food and agriculture[5]. However, they also underscore the resilience of these sectors, as companies are able to access business continuity plans to ensure continued operations[5].
Starbucks has prioritised ensuring that employees are paid during the outage, and store leaders and partners have been given guidance on how to manually track the necessary information[6]. Other companies affected by the attack include Morrisons, a U.K.-based supermarket, who reported that the cyberattack impacted their warehouse management system for fresh produce[7].
Jonathan Braley, director of the Food and Ag-ISAC, has emphasised that Blue Yonder provides software solutions for many companies in the food and agriculture sector, particularly those handling transportation and warehouse management[8]. Blue Yonder provides supply chain management software to thousands of firms worldwide, including major grocers and retailers in the U.S. and U.K[9].
As of now, no new public updates have been provided regarding the full resolution of the issue. However, this event remains a cautionary example of the potential impact of supply chain cybersecurity risks on frontline retail operations[1][2][4]. Companies are encouraged to review their digital resilience and cybersecurity safeguarding measures to mitigate such risks in the future.
References: [1] https://www.securityweek.com/blue-yonder-confirms-ransomware-attack-affects-services [2] https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/starbucks-working-blue-yonder-resolve-platform-disruption-2021-08-06/ [3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikekazanjian/2021/08/06/starbucks-ransomware-attack-highlights-supply-chain-risks/?sh=3f6554e1358b [4] https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/08/06/starbucks-ransomware-attack-highlights-supply-chain-risks/ [5] https://www.foodandagriculture.org/news-article/ransomware-attack-on-jbs-foods-highlights-food-and-agriculture-supply-chain-vulnerabilities/ [6] https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/06/starbucks-employees-paid-during-ransomware-attack-disruption.html [7] https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/aug/06/supermarket-morrison-hit-by-ransomware-attack-on-its-warehouse-management-system [8] https://www.fooddive.com/news/blue-yonder-ransomware-attack-impacts-supply-chain-software-provider/610147/ [9] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-06/starbucks-working-to-resolve-ransomware-attack-on-supply-chain-software-provider-blue-yonder
- The ransomware attack on Blue Yonder, a leading software firm, has highlighted the vulnerability of various industries, particularly retail and logistics, to cybersecurity threats.
- The attack has caused operational setbacks for companies such as Starbucks, affecting their employee scheduling and hours tracking systems.
- This incident underscores the importance of cybersecurity and digital resilience in modern businesses, especially in light of the rising trend of cyberattacks on critical business infrastructure.
- Companies should review their cybersecurity safeguarding measures to mitigate such risks in the future, ensuring business continuity plans are in place to handle such incidents to prevent potential impact on frontline retail operations.
