When most people think of cyberattacks, they picture banks, tech firms, or maybe healthcare providers, not grocery distributors. But the recent UNFI cyberattack proves that even industries once considered low-risk are now in the crosshairs. If cybercriminals are going after food supply chains, your small business could be next. (Story by: TechCrunch)
What Happened to UNFI?
United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI)—one of the largest wholesale food distributors in the U.S.—experienced a major cyberattack in mid-June. This attack disrupted operations, delayed shipments, and caused grocery store shortages nationwide.
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While the company says it’s recovering, many grocers are still feeling the effects. For everyday small business owners, the message is clear:
You don’t have to be in finance, software, or real estate to become a cyber target.
Why This Affects Every Industry
Cybercrime is no longer industry-specific. Attackers are shifting their focus from highly protected targets to vulnerable ones, like regional distributors, HVAC companies, and retail operators. Small to midsize businesses often lack the layered security infrastructure of enterprise-level organizations, making them ideal entry points for cybercriminals. Industries once considered low-priority, such as food service, logistics, and manufacturing, are now facing increasing threats due to their critical supply chain roles. The growing number of ransomware incidents in these sectors demonstrates that cybercriminals are looking for weak links with high operational urgency. As shown by the UNFI cyberattack, even a brief disruption can ripple across the entire industry, amplifying pressure to pay ransoms and restore services quickly. Why?
- Many small and mid-size businesses lack hardened IT infrastructure
- Supply chain access gives hackers leverage over many downstream partners
- Ransomware payouts are easier from unprepared companies
The UNFI cyberattack underscores a larger trend: no one is off-limits anymore.
What STS Recommends for All Business Owners
Whether you’re in food, construction, education, or logistics, you can take steps right now to avoid becoming the next headline:
1. Backups Are Non-Negotiable
Daily offline backups prevent data loss and give you leverage if ransomware strikes.
2. Email Security Should Be Your First Defense
Phishing is still the most common entry point. Train your team and filter your inboxes.
3. Limit Admin Access
Use the principle of least privilege. The fewer people who have full system control, the better.
4. Segment Your Networks
Separate financial, operational, and customer-facing systems so one breach doesn’t cripple your whole company.
5. Patch Systems Promptly
Hackers exploit outdated software. Automate your updates or let a Managed Service Provider handle it.
STS Pro Insight: You’re Not “Too Small” to Be Targeted
If criminals can breach a $28 billion food distributor, they can—and do—target local businesses for quick payouts. In fact, 63% of SMBs report at least one attempted cyberattack annually.
Our team at SofTouch Systems has worked with businesses across Texas to recover from attacks, and more importantly, to prevent them from happening again.
Schedule a Cyber Risk Assessment Today
Don’t wait for a breach to realize your vulnerabilities.
Contact SofTouch Systems today for a no-obligation cybersecurity assessment tailored to your industry.