VDL Nedcar will remain closed for almost a week after hack | Financial

On Thursday and Friday, VDL Nedcar was shut down as a result of a large-scale computer hack at parent company VDL Groep. Provided the digital systems could be started up in time, Tuesday and Wednesday next week could have acted as catch-up days. But they are now seeing that again, and now hope to be able to resume on Thursday.

‘Held hostage’

The group is still not making any statements about production at other VDL companies and the nature of the cyber attack. “Everything is still under investigation,” is all they want to say. According to experts, everything indicates that the central IT system has been taken hostage. VDL will not say whether a ransom has been demanded.

There is no doubt that the attack caused great damage to the family business. The damage is in the millions. In addition, VDL is one of the most important suppliers for customers such as ASML, Philips and DAF.

Ransom

If it actually concerns a ‘hostage’ situation of criminals who demand ransom, this could cost VDL a lot of money. Typically, according to experiences from other affected companies, 0.5 to 2% of turnover is demanded in digital currency (bitcoins). With a turnover of €4.7 billion last year, this will soon be between €25 and 100 million.

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