Cartier, the luxury jewellery brand owned by Richemont, recently experienced a cyber attack that led to the theft of some customer data. This information was relayed to clients through an email.
This incident is the latest in a string of cyber attacks on companies, with several retailers, including Marks & Spencer and Victoria’s Secret, reporting similar occurrences. Cartier, known for its watches, necklaces, and bracelets, which have been sported by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie, and Michelle Obama, stated that an unauthorized party had gained temporary access to their system.
The compromised data included limited client information, such as names, email addresses, and countries. Cartier reassured customers that more sensitive data, including passwords, credit card details, or other banking information, were not accessed during the breach. The company has since resolved the issue.
In response to the attack, Cartier has taken measures to strengthen the protection of its systems and data. The company has informed the relevant authorities about the breach and is also collaborating with leading external cybersecurity experts to prevent future incidents.
Julius Cerniauskas, CEO of web intelligence firm Oxylabs, highlighted that no brand is immune to cybercrime. According to him, cyber criminals are becoming increasingly opportunistic and sophisticated, targeting brands that hold valuable customer data.
Victoria’s Secret, a U.S. lingerie company, also recently reported a security incident related to its information technology systems. This forced the company to temporarily shut down its website for a few days. Victoria’s Secret claimed that the breach did not significantly impact its financial results for the first quarter but warned that its second quarter could be affected by the additional expenses incurred following the incident.
Last month, British retailer Marks & Spencer revealed that a highly sophisticated and targeted cyber attack in April would cost the company about 300 million pounds (US$405 million) in lost profits.
Fashion brand The North Face also reported a small-scale attack in April. The hackers used a method known as “credential stuffing,” in which they try usernames and passwords stolen from other data breaches, hoping that customers have reused the credentials across multiple accounts.
Last month, Harrods, a London department store, reported attempts to infiltrate its systems, following similar incidents at Marks & Spencer and the Co-op Group.
What type of data was stolen in the cyber attack on Cartier?
Names, email addresses, and countries of some customers were stolen in the cyber attack on Cartier.
What measures has Cartier taken in response to the cyber attack?
Cartier has enhanced the protection of its systems and data, informed the relevant authorities about the breach, and is working with leading external cybersecurity experts.
Have other retailers been targeted by cyber attacks recently?
Yes, Victoria’s Secret, Marks & Spencer, The North Face, and Harrods have all reported cyber attacks recently.
