Major pharmacy chains in Moscow halt operations following cyberattacks

Two of Moscow’s largest pharmacy chains, Stolichki and Neopharm, have temporarily suspended operations due to coordinated cyberattacks, sources confirmed.

All Stolichki locations across Moscow have closed after hackers targeted the chain’s cash registers and accounting systems, rendering them inoperable. Employees have been sent home as the company works to resolve the disruption. The network operates over 1,000 pharmacies across 80 cities in Russia’s Central and Northwestern Federal Districts, with a heavy presence in Moscow, the Moscow Region, Saint Petersburg, Tula, Kostroma, and Vladimir. The company expects to restore normal operations within one to two days, though no firm timeline has been announced, Caliber.Az reports per Mash. 

The press service declined to comment on the incident.

Shortly after, Neopharm — which, along with Stolichki, is owned by businessman Evgeny Nifantyev — also halted operations in Moscow following a similar hacker attack on its equipment, Readovka reports. Over 110 Neopharm pharmacies across Moscow, the Moscow region, and Saint Petersburg have been affected. Employees were sent on leave starting July 28 and remained off work on July 29.

By Sabina Mammadli