Friday, 06/21/2019 5:00 PM ET
As this most challenging week comes to a close, we wanted to share some information relative to a few of the logistical aspects of our recovery process from the intrusion on our communication network systems, despite extensive security policies in place, that impacted other Pyle support platforms. Our reason for sharing our experience and response is to perhaps, in some small way, help some of our Customers in the unfortunate event you find yourselves in a similar position.
When the attack occurred last Saturday morning, our team started an around the clock vigil to reactivate our Pyle operating system which we use in the daily conduct of our business. We immediately cut all ties to the internet and every Pyle device was disconnected from the Pyle communications network in every facility, which in our case is over 1,000 desktop towers and laptops, as well as many other additional devices used in our business. We set up a 24-hour assembly line process to wipe, reimage and install additional new software on all company devices. By late Sunday night, we completed this process on 50 commandeered devices previously used in our main Corporate Headquarters, and then the challenge became the logistics of positioning up to two devices of each of these 50 devices at each Pyle Service Center so we would have visibility and use of our Pyle System across our operating network. We accomplished this thru a combination of logistical ground transport and use of our corporate aircraft, all planned and executed without the benefit of Pyle email or facility phone systems. By early Monday morning, each Pyle Service Center had one or two devices in place to operate the business. For those in the business, one can appreciate operating 100+ door cross-dock facilities with just one or two devices to sustain all the planning and execution for these large operation centers.
With business opened Monday morning, and delivery and pickup operations underway, the logistical challenge then became moving the over 1,000 devices from the Service Centers to our Corporate Headquarters so every single device could be wiped, reimaged, installed with some new software and then returned to our Service Center network so the facility could restore the number of devices needed to fully support the daily business needs and activities.
Fortunately, we were able to rely on our logistics planning capabilities and experience to expedite this process. The devices started to arrive at our Corporate Headquarters on Tuesday morning, and 48 hours later each of the over 1,000 desktop towers and laptops had been wiped and reimaged, returned to their original location and reinstalled.
To our valued Pyle Customers, we cannot overstate our appreciation and gratitude for your understanding, support and patience as you too have endured some of the disruptive impacts of the pain inflicted upon us by people who know us not, yet chose to place the over 3,000 dedicated Pyle People and their Families in jeopardy. We have not yet fully recovered from the attack last Saturday, but we have come a very long way in these last seven most challenging days as a result of our Pyle Team’s grit, determination, unyielding work ethic and resolve, and the all-important support of our Customers who continue to honor us with your business.
For this, please accept a very sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU from your Pyle Team.
Pete Latta, CEO