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Cyber Attack Temporarily Cripples Promo Supplier’s Systems

It’s the latest in a slew of such nefarious strikes on the industry over the past several years.

MV Sport/The Game (asi/68318) has reported that its computer and phone systems are temporarily disabled and that orders cannot currently be received.

The trouble began on Sept. 13. Upon identifying the issue, the supplier contracted a cyber security firm for help and has been trying hard to tackle the issues.

“We are working diligently to upgrade and bring our systems back online,” a company statement said.

As of midday Thursday, Sept. 29, the supplier reported that some phone service had been restored, with certain extensions operational again. “The phone system is interrelated with the computer system, so apologies for not being able to accept messages,” the company said.

MV Sport and The Game are sister brands. A company spokesperson said progress at The Game appeared to be proceeding faster than at MV Sport, but full details were not immediately available. Regardless, the company said it aimed to have all systems back online before the end of the week of Sept. 25.

Cyber attacks have proliferated in recent years. The promo products market has not been immune, with entities that range from Top 40 suppliers to mom-and-pop shops getting hacked. Scam attempts aimed at the industry are also on the rise.