Supermarket operator Ahold's websites, app remain offline 5 days after cyber incident

On the fifth day of an ongoing cyber incident, grocery chains owned by Ahold, a Dutch supermarket operator, are still facing offline websites and online delivery services. The company has described the situation as a "cybersecurity incident" that led to the shutdown of some of its IT systems. Ahold's spokesperson stated that the parent company cannot comment on the occurrence at its individual chains.

U.S. brands like Stop & Shop, Giant Food, Hannaford, and Food Lion, totaling to one of the largest food retailers in the United States, continue to operate with their physical stores open.

Albert Heijn, Ahold's Dutch chain and the largest in the Netherlands, has been gradually recovering from the shutdown initiated on October 11, which disrupted its distribution centers and left produce shelves empty. The company does not anticipate online delivery resuming before Sunday.

Netherlands' Justice Minister David van Weel called on Ahold to file a criminal complaint regarding the incident, which the company has avoided labeling as a hack. Van Weel stated in a statement to Dutch press agency ANP that, while companies may prioritize preventing damage to their systems, it is time to take action. Ahold has declined to comment on the minister's remarks, pointing to its October 14 statement that the company is collaborating with internal teams, external cybersecurity experts, and relevant authorities.

The statement emphasized that Ahold's ongoing investigation prevents the sharing of details to avoid undermining security or interfering with their response.