(Alliance News) -Â Carnival PLC on Monday said it was victim to a ransomware attack that may have accessed personal data of guests and employees.
The cruise operator said it detected the ransomware attack on Saturday. The attack accessed and encrypted some IT systems of one of its brands. The unauthorised access also included "the download of certain of our data files".
Carnival operates a string of cruise brands, including Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises and Costa Cruises. It didn't say which of these brands was targeted.
The FTSE 250 constituent said it launched an investigation and notified law enforcement soon after the computer hack's detection.
"While the investigation of the incident is ongoing, the company has implemented a series of containment and remediation measures to address this situation and reinforce the security of its information technology systems. The company is working with industry-leading cybersecurity firms to immediately respond to the threat, defend the company's information technology systems, and conduct remediation," said Carnival.
The company does not believe the incident will have a "material impact" on its business, operations or financial results. However, it expects the breach included access to personal data of guests and employees, which may result in potential claims.
"Although we believe that no other information technology systems of the other company's brands have been impacted by this incident based upon our investigation to date, there can be no assurance that other information technology systems of the other company's brands will not be adversely affected," Carnival cautioned.
The incident adds to a string of woes for Carnival, which has had to raise substantial cash after being forced to dock its ships during the Covid-19 crisis.
Carnival shares were down 0.7% at 928.00 pence in London on Tuesday and are down 75% so far in 2020.
By Lucy Heming;Â lucyheming@alliancenews.com
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Carnival (CCL)