Click Here Knights of Old and a ransomware joust
8 snips
Dec 2, 2025 Paul Abbott, a longtime employee and part-owner of Knights of Old, shares gripping first-hand accounts of his company's 150-year legacy in logistics and its shocking downfall due to the Akira ransomware attack. He recounts the chilling moment staff discovered the ransomware note and the frantic response that followed. Discussing the negotiations with hackers, Abbott reveals why the company chose not to pay the multimillion-dollar ransom. The conversation dives into the devastating aftermath that led to closure and layoffs, showcasing the fragility of even the most established businesses.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Long-Standing Company Shocked By Ransomware
- Paul Abbott described Knights of Old as a 150-year-old logistics company that adapted from horse-and-buggy to modern freight services.
- The team faced the ransomware shock together and tried manual operations while systems were down.
Security Investments Can Still Fail Fast
- Knights of Old had invested heavily in cybersecurity yet still got breached through a single weak credential.
- Attackers targeted virtual servers and encrypted massive amounts of critical data within minutes.
Protect Credentials And Backups First
- Use multi-factor authentication and patch management to prevent brute-force and unpatched-vulnerability intrusions.
- Prioritize securing backups and limiting access to virtual servers as high-risk targets.