A Nottingham-based transportation technology solutions provider, The Microlise Group experienced a data security incident that affected delivery tracking systems for several companies, including shipping giant DHL.

Recently, Better Retailing reported that DHL was facing the impact of a serious cyber attack on its delivery tracking service provider Microlise. The successful cyber attack ensured that the shipping giant had no visibility over ongoing deliveries.

Convenience retailer Nisa also confirmed that its operations faced a major setback following the cyber security incident.

“The DHL delivery tracking solution has encountered a cyber incident this morning that has affected all their systems globally,” Nisa told Better Retailing.

The groceries wholesaler initially said that DHL has ‘no visibility’ of the progress of any of its deliveries, but in a later update, it said that “deliveries were taking place as scheduled with no related impact on timings.”

Acknowledging the reports of the cyber attack, a DHL spokesperson said, “DHL Supply Chain UK is aware of a downtime incident impacting Microlise, a third-party supplier which we use. We can confirm this incident has not affected DHL-owned systems.

“As a precaution we have implemented our appropriate safeguarding measures. We are working to resolve the situation and have implemented contingencies to ensure that service levels are maintained for those customers who may be potentially impacted.

“The incident has no relation to or impact on any other operations of DHL Group (including DHL Express, DHL eCommerce or DHL Global Forwarding). We are in direct communication with the supplier and will communicate any further updates as necessary,” they added.

In a data security incident notification, Microlise said that the cyber attack affected “large portion of the Company’s services” that have “resulted in disruption to services which are currently inactive.”

The company has launched an investigation and has appointed external cyber security experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. Microlise has notified relevant regulators and law enforcement agencies, including the Information Commissioner’s Office in the UK.

“We are mindful of our obligations regarding data; it is too soon yet to make any determination around the impact this incident has had on personal data, but we will inform any individuals in line with our regulatory obligations should there be a need to do so.

“The Company has relevant cyber insurance and is in discussions with its insurance provider. The Company does not currently anticipate that this incident will have a material adverse impact on its forecasts or financial position,” the company added.