Expeditors shuts down most operating systems worldwide after a targeted cyberattack

Expeditors International of Washington, the freight forwarding and customs brokerage company, disclosed on February 22, 2022 that it had been the target of a cyberattack on February 20 and had shut down most of its operating systems around the world in response. The disclosure predates Item 1.05 and was made under Item 8.01.

First disclosure

The attached press release described the shutdown and its consequences for customers. With systems down, Expeditors said it had limited ability to arrange freight shipments or manage customs and distribution for customers.

March 2, 2022 update

Ten days later the company reported partial recovery and a firmer view of the damage. It could not yet estimate when full operations would resume or the final financial effect, and expected higher cybersecurity spending ahead.

Not in the filings

Neither 8-K describes the type of attack or whether data was taken.