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Ingram Micro’s Ransomware Attack Signals Threats for Global IT Distributors

Written by Randy Cooper | Jul 12, 2025 12:33:51 PM

SafePay Ransomware Strikes Ingram Micro

On July 4, 2025, Ingram Micro, a global IT distributor with $48 billion in annual sales, was hit by a devastating SafePay ransomware attack, causing widespread system outages. The attack, reported by BleepingComputer, disrupted operations across the company’s global network, affecting customers and partners who rely on its services for cloud, commerce, and technology solutions. While Ingram Micro confirmed the incident and began restoring systems, the breach highlights the growing threat of ransomware targeting critical supply chain players. The attack’s timing, coinciding with the July 4th holiday weekend, likely amplified its impact by exploiting reduced staff availability.

Exploiting VPN Vulnerabilities

The SafePay ransomware gang gained access to Ingram Micro’s systems by exploiting vulnerabilities in the company’s virtual private network (VPN) infrastructure. BleepingComputer notes that this method allowed attackers to encrypt critical systems, locking out employees and disrupting business operations. Although Ingram Micro notified law enforcement and engaged external cybersecurity experts, the initial breach exposed weaknesses in their network security. This incident underscores the importance of securing VPNs, which are often targeted entry points for ransomware attacks due to outdated software or misconfigurations.

Impact on Global Operations

The outage caused significant disruption for Ingram Micro’s customers, including IT resellers, managed service providers, and enterprises dependent on its distribution network. The company’s extensive portfolio, spanning cloud services, logistics, and technology solutions, meant that the attack rippled across multiple industries. While Ingram Micro stated that systems were being restored and no customer data breach was confirmed, the operational downtime likely caused financial losses and strained relationships with partners. BleepingComputer highlights that such disruptions can have long-term consequences for supply chain reliability in the tech sector.

A Growing Ransomware Threat

The Ingram Micro attack is part of a broader surge in ransomware incidents, with groups like SafePay exploiting vulnerabilities to extort high-profile targets. BleepingComputer references the increasing sophistication of ransomware gangs, which often demand multimillion-dollar ransoms and threaten to leak stolen data. The attack on Ingram Micro follows a pattern seen in recent breaches targeting critical infrastructure, such as the Citrix NetScaler vulnerability (CVE-2025-5777) exploited in the same period. This trend emphasizes the need for organizations to prioritize proactive cybersecurity measures to combat evolving threats.

Lessons for the IT Industry

In response to the attack, Ingram Micro is working to strengthen its cybersecurity defenses, including patching vulnerabilities and enhancing system resilience. The incident serves as a stark reminder for IT distributors and other critical supply chain entities to invest in robust security frameworks, including regular software updates, employee training, and advanced threat detection. As ransomware gangs like SafePay continue to target high-value organizations, the industry must adopt a proactive stance to safeguard operations and maintain trust. BleepingComputer’s report underscores that timely action and transparency are crucial for mitigating the fallout from such attacks and preventing future breaches.

SOURCE: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/ingram-micro-outage-caused-by-safepay-ransomware-attack/