The task force is currently working with the support of IT forensic experts and data analysts on the step-by-step testing and recommissioning of the systems.
There is currently no reliable information on how long it will take to process and resolve the attack or on when production at all five global production sites (Ellwangen, Nördlingen, Dischingen, Brasov/Romania and Batam/Indonesia) will be fully operational. However, the first parts of the plants are expected to start up again next week.
Non-IT-based processes can continue to run in the meantime. This makes it possible to deploy employees in all plants for maintenance, servicing and preparatory work. This ensures that customer orders can be processed again as quickly as possible once production has restarted. Parts of the workforce that are unable to carry out their normal activities due to the consequences of the cyberattack will be deployed as best as possible for preparatory tasks and process improvements. Work is also underway in administration to prepare for full operations.
The forensic investigation continues to make progress. It is now clear that the cyberattack was carried out by an organised group of hackers who managed to break through the high security standards of VARTA's IT systems with a high level of criminal energy. The authorities have been informed and the police have formally started an investigation. The company is not providing any further background information for reasons of investigative tactics. The amount of the possible damage and the extent to which it is covered by insurance is part of the ongoing investigation.
The impact of the cyberattack on the ongoing restructuring of VARTA AG is also currently being investigated. The company assumes that the incident may make the process more difficult, but will not stop it.
In the meantime, the company's availability is still limited. Up-to-date information on the current status is published on the homepage at www.varta-ag.com. VARTA is confident that it will soon be available again via all normal channels.