Communication disrupted

Cyber attack hits German hearing aid manufacturer

After the attack became known, the systems were shut down as a precautionary measure.

(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

The German hearing aid manufacturer Kind has been the target of a hacker attack. In addition to the headquarters near Hanover, communication with more than 600 specialist stores was also affected, said a company spokesperson. There are currently no indications that customer data has been stolen. The systems were shut down immediately and it is hoped that this has averted greater damage.

The systems will now be checked and then gradually brought back up again, it said on Thursday. Until then, however, there are still restrictions in the branches. The "Hannoversche Allgemeine" had previously reported. According to the information, the attack occurred on February 6. It was discovered due to irregularities in the IT system. The IT department then began to take security measures. The police and the data protection officer were informed.

Communication restricted
According to the information provided, communication with the approximately 600 branches was also restricted. After the IT failure, contact was only possible by telephone. Orders could not be recorded directly on the computer and were sometimes taken with a piece of paper and pen. However, the specialist stores are still open and able to operate, the spokesperson emphasized. Customers would continue to receive advice and support. Payment by EC card was temporarily not possible, customers had to pay in cash. Card payments are now working again, the spokesperson added.

"We reacted quickly and are optimistic that we were able to avert greater damage as a result," said the spokesperson. So far, there are no indications that data has been encrypted or personal data stolen. However, it is still too early to make a final assessment. It is unclear how the hackers were able to penetrate the computer system and what their goal was. The company did not initially provide any information on the amount of the damage. This still needs to be determined.