Ransomware outage at London & Zurich prevents customer direct-debit collections and creates payment backlogs

On November 10, 2023, UK direct-debit processing provider London & Zurich experienced a major service outage subsequently confirmed by the company as ransomware-related. Customers were unable to process most scheduled direct-debit collections, creating substantial outstanding payment balances and cash-flow problems for dependent businesses. One managed services provider reported a backlog exceeding USD 124000 and resorted to short-term financing. The company's customer portal and payment-processing infrastructure underwent restoration over subsequent weeks, with some collection schedules requiring resubmission. The reported backlog is an uncollected amount rather than a verified financial loss attributable to the targeted company.