Hackers Run Rampant: Data Breaches at Adidas, Victoria's Secret, and Cartier
Unauthorized individuals breach security systems of Adidas, Victoria's Secret, and Cartier, making off with customer information.
Going after wealthy clientele, cybercriminals have been on a rampage, leaving prestigious businesses in their wake. After the data breaches at The North Face and Marks & Spencer, these three more high-profile companies have fallen victim. The cybercriminals managed to obtain vast quantities of data, though thankfully, no payment information was compromised.
The luxurious French jeweler Cartier, the renowned American lingerie retailer Victoria's Secret, and the iconic German sportswear brand Adidas have all become targets for hackers. Cartier, a subsidiary of the Swiss luxury conglomerate Richemont, acknowledged a website attack which resulted in the theft of customer data such as names and email addresses. That said, passwords and credit card information remained safe, and the company has subsequently improved its security measures and sought help from external experts.
Adidas, based in Bavaria, Germany, disclosed that uninvited third parties gained access to certain customer data courtesy of an external customer service provider. Passwords, credit card data, or any payment-related data were unaffected. However, personal details such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, gender, and birthdates were compromised, predominantly affecting customers who had previously reached out to Adidas' customer service.
Victoria's Secret announced that its website and online store had been temporarily shut down after a cyberattack in late May. This incident may potentially impact second-quarter results and cause a delay in the release of the first-quarter financials, previously scheduled for June 5.
In recent times, British retailer Marks & Spencer and The North Face, part of the U.S. apparel group VF Corporation, have also become targets for these dastardly hackers.
- Cybercrime
- Hackers
- Data security
- Data privacy
- Response measures
Insights on Adidas' Response to the Breach:
- Containment and Investigation: Adidas took swift action to contain the incident and commissioned a thorough investigation led by security experts.
- Notification Process: The company promptly informed affected consumers and collaborated with pertinent data protection and law enforcement authorities.
- Security Commitment: Adidas affirmed its unwavering commitment to the security and privacy of consumer data.
The Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of personal data, especially in light of the recent data breaches at Adidas, Victoria's Secret, and Cartier. This cybersecurity incident underscores the need for stronger technology and data security measures to safeguard general-news and crime-and-justice information sensitive to these high-profile businesses. Adidas, in its response, contained and investigated the breach through the help of external experts, notified affected consumers, and reaffirmed its commitment towards ensuring the privacy and security of consumer data. This action highlights the importance of prompt response measures in the face of cybercrime.
