Manchester United's scouting system plunged into chaos as hackers access 'confidential information on targets and scouting missions' during ongoing cyber-attack with less than five weeks until the January transfer window opens
* Manchester United's scouting system has been plunged into chaos by hackers
* The club's systems have been compromised for over a week due to the attack
* And it has been reported that the hackers have gained access to critical files
* Information relating to short and long term targets may have been accessed
* Sportsmail reported this week United had been held to ransom by the hackers
Manchester United's ongoing cyber attack has seen hackers accessing confidential information on targets and scouting missions, The Mirror reports.
Sportsmail revealed this week that the Premier League club were being held to ransom for millions of pounds by criminal hackers who have crippled the club's systems.
United have brought in a team of technical experts in a bid to contain the potentially 'disastrous' attack, although it is believed that the hackers still have a firm grip after the National Cyber Security Centre on Thursday night confirmed they are helping the club to resolve the crisis.
And the embarrassing lapse of security at one of the world's biggest sporting clubs could have terrible ramifications, with more information about the extent of the attack emerging.
The Mirror reports that the hackers have gained access to confidential information relating to player targets as well as on-going scouting missions.
United's email system has been disabled by the hackers for over a week, having a major impact on global scouting operations.
Man United's scouting system has been plunged into chaos by the ongoing cyber attack. Sportsmail revealed that the club's computer systems have been hijacked by hackers. The Premier League club's email system has been compromised in the embarrassing lapse
That could have a serious effect on United's transfer business, with the January transfer window set to open in less than five weeks and advanced planning for next summer's transfer window underway.
The report goes onto outline that details regarding active long and short-term player targets are held in files within the system. It is understood that confidential material along with sensitive personal details of their current squad may have been targeted.
United have insisted that they are not aware of any supporter data being compromised by the hackers as forensic tracking by cyber experts continues.
United could face fines of £9m, £18m or two per cent of their total annual worldwide turnover from the independent government body Information Commissioner's Office if the attack is found to have breached their fans' data protection.
The hackers are demanding cash to release their grip on United. And it has been reported that hackers may have gained access to files on transfer targets. The latest news could have major implications on the club's transfer activity in January
A statement on Thursday night read: 'Following the recent cyber attack on the club, our IT team and external experts secured our networks and have conducted forensic investigations.
'This attack was by nature disruptive, but we are not currently aware of any fan data being compromised.
'Critical systems required for matches to take place at Old Trafford remained secure and games have gone ahead as normal.
'The club will not be commenting on speculation regarding who may have been responsible for this attack or the motives behind it.'
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