UK engineering firm IMI investigates cybersecurity breach

UK-based engineering giant IMI has revealed it recently suffered a cyberattack, resulting in unauthorised access to some of its systems. The incident was disclosed in a notice filed with the London Stock Exchange (LSE), where the company confirmed that it is working to manage the situation.

IMI stated that external cybersecurity experts have been engaged to investigate and contain the attack. The company is also ensuring compliance with its regulatory obligations while continuing to assess the extent of the incident. However, it has not provided further details on the type of attack or its impact on business operations.

“In parallel, the company is taking the necessary steps to comply with our regulatory obligations,” IMI stated. The engineering firm assured stakeholders that additional updates would be shared when appropriate but declined to comment further when approached for more information.

 

The IMI cyberattack comes just a week after Smiths Group, another major UK-based engineering company, reported a similar cyber incident.

 

Smiths Group confirmed that some of its systems were affected by unauthorised access. In response, the company rapidly isolated the affected systems and activated its business continuity plans.

Although there is no confirmed link between the two incidents, the timing has raised concerns within the UK’s engineering sector. Cybersecurity researchers are still investigating whether ransomware was involved in either case, but no known ransomware groups have claimed responsibility so far.

Both IMI and Smiths Group have refrained from confirming whether any ransom demands were made or if sensitive data was compromised. The lack of immediate information leaves open questions about the attackers’ motives and the potential impact on the companies’ operations.

Cyberattacks on large corporations, especially within critical industries like engineering, continue to be a growing concern. Experts warn that such incidents can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and pose significant financial and reputational risks.

With investigations ongoing, the affected company has prioritised the containment and mitigation of the attack while ensuring that regulatory protocols are followed. Both IMI and Smiths Group’s rapid response in isolating systems and activating business continuity plans highlight the significance of preparation in dealing with cyber incidents.

Further details on the attack are expected as the investigation progresses.