German pharmaceutical company has been targeted by hackers

German pharmaceutical wholesaler AEP GmbH has been hit by a ransomware attack, which led to a partial encryption of the company’s IT systems.

According to a press release that was published on AEP’s website, the incident was discovered on October 28. To minimize the impact of the ransomware attack, the pharmaceutical company immediately took additional precautionary measures.

“We are working at full speed and with the help of external experts for cyber incidents and IT forensics to find a solution, immediately disconnected all external connections and shut down all affected IT systems,” AEP states.

The company added that it is “currently not available by phone” and can only be reached “to a very limited extent by email”.

AEP promises to inform customers about the latest developments every day.

The Bavaria-based pharmaceutical wholesaler has more than 6,000 pharmacies across Germany and employs over 200 people.

The attack on AEP could cause trouble for all these pharmacies and its customers.

The Bavarian Pharmacist Association however reassures patients in the region they shouldn’t be worried about their medication. According to the Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung, more than three million products are in stock in the central warehouse in Alzenau.

And as is reported by Bayerischer Rundfunk, if pharmaceutical wholesalers work together, all the affected pharmacies should be able to get a hold on sufficient supplies for their patients.

The ransomware attack is being investigated by the Bavarian State Criminal Police office.