Just in the past few weeks, cyber attacks have more than doubled, hitting notable retailers. Brands such as Adidas, Victoria’s Secret, The North Face, Vans, and luxury jeweler Cartier have all been impacted. In light of these incidents, alarm bells have been ringing about customer data security. It would mean that many of the most familiar names in fashion and retail are today in red alert mode.
In a statement, Adidas acknowledged that a cyber breach happened back in May. In the case of this breach, names and contact information about people who called their help desk were compromised. This incident served as a catalyst to adjust their cybersecurity protocols to make sure something like this didn’t happen again. In June, Victoria’s Secret shut down its US website over a related “cyber security incident.” This action is meant to underscore the gravity of the situation.
The North Face, also owned by VF Corporation, announced that it was the victim of a ransomware attack in December 2023. In April, the firm identified a “very limited” attack. This incident would soon be part of a bigger issue affecting most of the brands under its umbrella including the incident with Vans. Consumers of Vans were later notified that their payment card data could be compromised as a result of the breach.
The North Face further clarified that hackers used a technique called “credential stuffing.” This technique involves employing usernames and passwords obtained from other data breaches, with the hope that many customers reuse their login credentials across various accounts. This tactic underscores the continued vulnerability of private consumer data and the need to adapt in an increasingly digital world.
Cartier acknowledged that an unauthorized third party obtained short-term access to its systems, resulting in possible data exposure. The luxury jeweler reassured its clients by stating, “We contained the issue and have further enhanced the protection of our systems and data.” This future-focused approach is designed to help rebuild customer trust at a time when security worries are heightening all around.
The UK’s National Crime Agency takes the pursuit of these criminals as a top priority. Feds and states are increasing pressure on these shady tactics to protect consumers. They are unrelenting in their pursuit to prevent any infringements that endanger personal data.
The tide of cyber attacks has continued to swell. Major brands are by no means immune from these digital threats. This reality serves as an important backdrop for consumers to be more aware of their online security habits. During this time, it’s more critical than ever to prioritize password management and account security.