TAKING CANDY FROM THE MASSES

Ferrara, the U.S. candy manufacturer behind some of America’s most popular candies, has been hit by a ransomware hack that encrypted its systems at the most inopportune time for a candy-maker: right before Halloween.

The company has its headquarters in Chicago and is the creator of Everlasting Gobstoppers, Lemonheads, Now and Later, Nerds, SweeTarts, Laffy Taffy, Red Hots, Pixy Stix, Atomic Fireballs, Boston Baked Beans and other popular candy brands. They also make Keebler brand treats and Famous Amos cookies.

Ferrara said in an email to The Hill that the company has only been able to resume production “in select manufacturing facilities” but is shipping “near to capacity” and from “all our distribution centers across the country.”