UK retail sector suffer another attack: Adidas' customer data compromised in data breach incident.
Adidas Reveals Cybersecurity Incident Exposing Customer Data
German sportswear giant Adidas has acknowledged a cyber attack that compromised the personal information of customers who had contacted its customer service help desk. The breach, disclosed on May 23, involved unauthorized access to a third-party customer service provider, allowing attackers to obtain consumer contact information.
According to Adidas, the compromised data primarily consists of names and contact details, but does not include passwords, credit card information, or other payment data. The company has expressed deep regret for any inconvenience caused and pledged full commitment to ensuring the privacy and security of its customers.
In an attempt to contain the incident, Adidas promptly took measures and launched an extensive investigation in collaboration with external cybersecurity experts. Affected customers are being notified, along with relevant data protection and law enforcement agencies.
The latest cybersecurity incident is part of a broader trend of targeted attacks on UK and global retailers. High-profile names like Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods have suffered significant breaches since April. While Adidas reports no operational disruption, Marks & Spencer estimates that the cost of its own breach will amount to approximately one-third of its annual profit, around £300 million.
Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating possible links between these recent attacks and the notorious hacker group named "Scattered Spider." However, there is no confirmation at this time that the group is responsible for the Adidas breach.
Jake Moore, a global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, commented on the incident, stating that though no financial data was accessed, the breach serves as a reminder of the increasing risk of supply chain vulnerabilities currently affecting the retail industry. Moore advised Adidas customers to exercise vigilance by changing their online account passwords and staying alert for potential phishing attempts, as further details about the breach may be disclosed.
Citi analysts have maintained their buy rating and €290 price target for Adidas, despite the recent cyber attack.
- Despite the cybersecurity incident, Citi analysts have kept their confidence in Adidas, maintaining a buy rating and a €290 price target.
- The breach at Adidas, which exposed customer data, is not the first such incident in the retail industry; high-profile names like Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods have experienced significant breaches recently.
- In the wake of the Adidas breach, Jake Moore, a global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, underscored the importance of supply chain security, advising affected customers to change their online account passwords and stay vigilant against potential phishing attempts.
