Ransomware Attack on Avery Exposes 61K Customers—Are You Next?

Ransomware Attack on Avery Exposes 61K Customers—Are You Next?

Cybercriminals continue to wreak havoc on businesses, with ransomware attacks growing more sophisticated and damaging. The latest victim? Avery, a well-known manufacturer of labels and office supplies, which recently suffered a ransomware attack exposing the data of over 61,000 customers. This incident underscores the urgent need for businesses to rethink their cybersecurity approach.

The Avery Ransomware Breach: What Happened?

According to SC World, Avery disclosed a security breach in which hackers stole customer data, including names, contact details, and possibly payment information. The attack, attributed to ransomware operators, resulted in a significant disruption for the company and potential security risks for its customers.

While Avery has not disclosed the exact strain of ransomware used, this breach follows a familiar pattern: attackers infiltrate a company’s network, encrypt critical files, and demand payment to restore access. In many cases, they also exfiltrate data, using the threat of public exposure as additional leverage.

The Problem with “Detect and Respond”

Incidents like this reveal a critical flaw in traditional cybersecurity models that rely on "Detect and Respond" strategies. This approach assumes that threats will inevitably breach defenses, and security teams must react quickly to minimize damage. However, with ransomware now deploying faster than ever, by the time an attack is detected, the damage is already done.

Consider how modern ransomware works:

• Zero-Day Exploits & Phishing – Attackers gain initial access through undetected vulnerabilities or deceptive emails.
• Lateral Movement – Once inside, they move through the network, escalating privileges and identifying valuable data.
• Encryption & Exfiltration – By the time an alert is triggered, files are locked, backups may be compromised, and sensitive data is in the hands of attackers.

This reactive approach is failing businesses. By the time you detect an attack, it’s too late.

Why Businesses Need “Isolation and Containment”

To stop ransomware in its tracks, companies need a preventative security model—one that isolates threats before they execute and contains malicious activity before it spreads. This is exactly what AppGuard does.

Unlike traditional endpoint protection solutions that rely on detecting known threats, AppGuard enforces Zero Trust Execution Control, preventing ransomware from executing, even if it bypasses other security layers.

How AppGuard Prevents Ransomware Attacks

1. Stops Malware Before It Runs – AppGuard blocks malicious processes at the kernel level, preventing them from executing even if they bypass antivirus or EDR tools.
2. Prevents Unauthorized Access – Unlike traditional detection-based tools, AppGuard enforces strict containment policies, ensuring malware can’t interact with critical files or processes.
3. Protects Against Zero-Days – Since AppGuard doesn’t rely on signatures or behavioral analysis, it can stop new and unknown threats that traditional security tools might miss.

Had Avery deployed AppGuard, this attack could have been completely prevented. The ransomware would have been unable to execute, and customer data would have remained secure.

Don’t Wait for the Next Attack—Act Now

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving, and no business is too small or too large to be targeted. If ransomware can hit companies like Avery, it can hit you too. The question is: Are you prepared?

Instead of waiting for an attack and scrambling to respond, take proactive steps today. Talk with CHIPS about how AppGuard can provide true protection against ransomware and other cyber threats—without the need for constant updates, alerts, or incident response.

Let’s move beyond Detect and Respond and embrace Isolation and Containment—because prevention is the only true defense. Contact us today.

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