Digital ID specialises in supplying printers and systems for the production of ID cards and access passes.

Most of its clients buy products and consumables for their on-site needs, with Digital ID providing customers with printers, blank cards and card wear accessories like lanyards, to print and manage their own cards.

The firm does offer printing services including custom printed cards, photo ID cards, and branded lanyards.

It’s not clear why the Metropolitan Police chose outsourcing over in-house production for its warrant cards and staff passes.

In a statement, Digital ID said: “We recently identified an IT security incident that affected the company’s systems. We have engaged the assistance of specialist external cyber and forensic consultants who are in the process of conducting an investigation to assess the potential impact.

“The incident has been reported to the authorities and therefore it would not be appropriate for us to offer any further comment at this time or confirm the involvement of any third party.”

The firm said it was processing orders as normal.

“There is some backlog which we are working through as speedily as possible and expect to return to normal operations later this week.”

The Sun reported that Digital ID’s managing director was contacted by hackers – apparently located overseas – who demanded a ransom from the company.

Digital ID’s customers also include the BBC, but the broadcaster buys blank cards and prints the details itself in-house.

The firm does not specifically mention secure printing services on its website. It had sales of £38.8m last year and employed more than 100 staff.

Its immediate parent company is Barcodes Group Inc, based in the USA.