Brandywine Realty Trust hit by ransomware attack, services disrupted

Brandywine Realty Trust, a U.S. real estate investment trust, faced a ransomware attack that was detected on May 1, 2024, resulting in disruptions to its operations. The incident involved unauthorized access and encryption of parts of the company’s internal IT systems, leading to operational challenges and data theft. Despite these challenges, the real estate operations of the company continued without significant interruption. However, specific files were exfiltrated during the attack, and the extent of sensitive information involved is still under investigation.

The company quickly activated its incident response protocols, shut down specific systems to contain the breach, and initiated a thorough investigation with the help of external cybersecurity experts. Law enforcement was also notified as part of the response effort. The attack primarily affected the company’s business applications supporting various corporate functions, including financial and operating reporting systems.

In a cautionary note, Brandywine Realty Trust highlighted that ongoing investigation may reveal additional details about the extent of the cybersecurity incident. The company is focused on assessing and remediating the situation to ensure continuity of service to its tenants. Additionally, a member of the company’s Board of Trustees resigned due to new employment obligations not related to the cyber incident.

Brandywine Realty Trust is taking significant steps to enhance its security measures and mitigate the impact of the cyberattack. The incident adds to the growing list of high-profile ransomware attacks targeting major corporations, emphasizing the critical need for robust cybersecurity strategies in today’s digital age.