Table of contents
- A sudden end: the fall of KNP
- Human error at the root
- A social disaster: 700 families affected
- Passwords: the first true defense
- A necessary cultural shift
A sudden end: the fall of KNP
KNP, a British company with over 150 years of history, has shut down permanently. Not because of a financial crisis or merger, but due to a devastating cyberattack. The cause? A weak password chosen by an employee.
The cybercriminal group Akira, known for its use of ransomware, infiltrated the company’s systems, encrypting all data and causing a total operational blackout. The ransom demanded: £5 million, a figure KNP couldn’t afford.
Human error at the root
As Paul Abbott, the company director, told the BBC, everything collapsed due to a seemingly minor oversight. The choice of a weak password allowed unauthorized access, nullifying the impact of insurance and standard cyber security protocols.
This case proves that cyber security is not only about firewalls and antivirus, but also – and above all – about awareness and training.
A social disaster: 700 families affected
KNP’s collapse meant 700 job losses. An entire local community connected to the company lost decades of certainty in just days. In 2023 alone, the UK faced over 19,000 cyberattacks, and KNP is just the latest example.
Other big names like Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods have also been targeted. British MPs warn of systemic risks where a single oversight could jeopardize national infrastructure.
Passwords: the first true defense
Experts agree: a secure password is the first line of defense. Avoid using names or birth dates. Passwords should be long, complex, unique for every service, and supported by two-factor authentication.
Companies must train their staff, helping each employee identify threats from phishing emails to compromised devices.
A necessary cultural shift
The KNP case must be studied carefully. It symbolizes a world where digital security is survival. Investing in training and secure practices is no longer optional – it’s essential. A cultural revolution is underway. Ignore it, and your company may be next.
