Limerick staff unable to login to work devices after cyberattack from hacker group

STAFF working at Stryker in Raheen were unable to log onto their work devices after the firm’s computer systems were impacted by a cyber-attack, it’s understood.

The firm, which employs close to 1,000 in Limerick and also has bases in Cork and Belfast, was hit by what is known as a ‘wiper’ attack.

This means it destroys data rather than asking for ransom.

Handala, a group believed to be linked to Iran, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

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They have stated it is retaliation linked to geopolitical tensions, involving the USA, Israel, and Iran.

Stryker is headquartered in Michigan, USA.

In 2019, it acquired OrthoSpace, an Israeli medical technology firm.

Stryker makes medical equipment and devices which help doctors treat patients, especially in hospitals.

Its facility in Limerick focuses mainly on orthopedic devices like knee replacements and bone cement.

The impact of the cyber-attack locally is not fully known, with Stryker not returning a request for comment from Limerick Live this week.

But a spokesperson for the company, giving an international update, stated: “Stryker is experiencing a global network disruption to our Microsoft environment as a result of a cyberattack. We have no indication of ransomware or malware and believe the incident is contained.”

Its teams were working round-the-clock to minimise the impact of the attack on its systems following the attack.

By Friday, March 13 the company indicated that its computers were “slowly being fixed” and the cyber-attack was “fully contained”.

Chief executive Kevin Lobo said in a statement: “We believe that this attack did not involve ransomware or malware, meaning there is no risk of system contamination. Our employees and our sites are safe. Our products and our customers are also safe.

Our teams are working closely with customers, government partners, and third-party experts to maintain business continuity.”

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Stryker workers across the world had posted on social media to state that the hacker group Handala’s logo appeared on their login pages when they attempted to access their devices on Wednesday morning, March 11 when the attack hit.

In recent weeks, Handala has claimed a string of cyberattacks on Israeli companies.

They are being described as a “politically motivated hacking group”.