For anyone who labours under the misapprehension that cybersecurity is something only tech and digital firms should be concerned about, the salutary tale of KNP Logistics Group should serve as a very definite wake-up call.
KNP demise a salutary tale
In June 2023 the 158-year-old Northamptonshire transport firm suffered a ransomware attack at the hands of Akira, a group of cyber-criminals. They exploited weak passwords, breaching KNP’s systems before encrypting all the company’s data and demanding a ransom of millions of pounds.
Unable to recover or pay, the transport firm entered administration in September, collapsing with the loss of 730 jobs.
The stuff of nightmares, and something Davro Steel Ltd, based in Halsowen, West Midlands, is taking steps to avoid by enlisting the services of Hubtel IT, a leading Birmingham-based Managed Service Provider.
Quality steel strip and sheet products since 1949
Davro Steel, established in 1949, is a prominent UK-based steel stockholder specialising in high-quality steel strip and sheet products.
Headquartered in a purpose-built processing centre on the Hayes Trading Estate, the company supplies to major sectors including construction, automotive and yellow/white goods (appliances) across the UK and Europe
Their product range includes hot-rolled, pickled galvanised, and cold-reduced steel, which Davro processes on-site.
As a wholesaler of metals and ores, Davro’s commitment to quality assurance is benchmarked through its independently verified ISO 90012005 Quality Management System qualification.
The firm also engages in semi-finished metal product supply and related manufacturing activities.
Rather like putting a steering lock on your car
To enable Davro Steel to remain focused on their core activities, Hubtel IT are charged with ensuring their IT infrastructure remains secure, efficient and scalable.
By leveraging the best-in-market software and technology, Davro’s network health is supported, managed and monitored remotely, allowing Hubtel’s team of engineers to work diligently “behind the scenes.”
Neil Bayliss, chief executive of Hubtel IT, said: “Davro Steel is very wise to put in place these protections. Being cyber-safe doesn’t stop cyber criminals attacking you, but it does mean your business is less vulnerable to those attacks. It’s rather like putting a steering lock on your car – it makes things far more difficult for criminals.”
