The file sharing system supported by Accellion’s File Transfer Appliance was compromised. The appliance helps move heavy data files safely, thus according to the official statement, no other actual Shell assets were undermined – nothing has been said about the company’s IT infrastructure due to the file transfer tool being detached from the rest of the system.

Shell contacted data regulators after learning about possible damage made to accessed data transmitted via Accellion’s appliance – some of this data was owned by Shell subsidiaries and stakeholders.

"Upon learning of the incident, Shell addressed the vulnerabilities with its service provider and cyber security team, and started an investigation to better understand the nature and extent of the incident," Shell said.

"Shell is in contact with the impacted individuals and stakeholders and we are working with them to address possible risks."