Garmin confirms massive cyber attack connected to Russian hackers

A massive cyberattack has left a popular wearable and GPS technology company reeling for days now.

Garmin on Monday that it was still working on getting all of its systems back online after it was hit with a cyberattack last week. The company manufactures fitness trackers, smartwatches, and other GPS and wearable devices.

The attack hit the company on Thursday, July 23 and took multiple Garmin systems offline. 

“Many of our online services were interrupted including website functions, customer support, customer facing applications, and company communications,” said Garmin in a statement. 

Basically, the company’s customers were unable to use Garmin Connect, which allows users to track their activities, or download Garmin’s apps. The company’s aviation line of products, like its GPS software, flyGarmin, and the Garmin Pilot app for pilots were all affected.

Furthermore, customers couldn’t even contact Garmin for support as its email, telephone, and online chat systems were taken down, too. The attack affected Garmin on a global scale.

Garmin said in its statement that customer data and payment details were not accessed or stolen in the attack.

Confirmation of the attack comes as Garmin is still trying to get its online systems fully restored. The wearable tech company believes it will be fully back in operation within the next few days.

Garmin employees tech outlet last week that it appeared the company was hit with a ransomware attack known as WastedLocker. This new type of cyberattack has been to a Russian hacker group known as Evil Corp. 

is usually deployed against a company or organization that is specifically targeted by the group. A ransom is left with the attack, demanding that the victim pay hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars in Bitcoin.

Garmin has not yet confirmed details of the attack.