Have you heard the news about Harrods? Yes, the luxury department store in London. They have just communicated to their customers that some personal information may have been compromised in a recent IT incident. Don't panic, but let's talk about what has happened.
Harrods stated that the breach is now contained. They are working with the third-party company to ensure that nothing more was taken, and they have notified the authorities.
Sure, this IT problem is concerning, but it’s not a catastrophe. If you shop at Harrods, just be cautious and monitor your emails. And maybe the next time you’re shopping online you’ll remember that even big box stores have cybersecurity problems.
Have you ever thought to yourself, how did a hacker gain access to these systems? It would probably make you think about the types of information we leave behind when we go online.
What Happened?
Harrods stated that the incident did not happened inside their system but it was a breach at one of their partner companies. Someone was able to breach a third-party system that handles on-line customers. Information that may have been compromised includes names and contact information. The good news is that passwords and payment information were not compromised, therefore your credit card is secure.Harrods stated that the breach is now contained. They are working with the third-party company to ensure that nothing more was taken, and they have notified the authorities.
Some Context of History
This isn't the first time Harrods has had a security incident. In May, they restricted internet use in their shops due to a potential hacking attempt. In July, four people were arrested for attempting to hack retailers, including Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods. It has been a difficult year for security incidents in retail.Why it Affects You
While it may seem trivial, it is significant. Stolen names and email addresses can still be used in scams or phishing attempts. So, if you happen to shop at Harrods, I would watch for strange emails or phone calls, and I would either avoid shopping and check your accounts frequently.What's Next?
It is a plus that Harrods reacted quickly and informed consumers quickly, stating none of their systems were impacted (at least, at this time). That's a good sign they are taking security seriously.In Conclusion
Sure, this IT problem is concerning, but it’s not a catastrophe. If you shop at Harrods, just be cautious and monitor your emails. And maybe the next time you’re shopping online you’ll remember that even big box stores have cybersecurity problems.
Have you ever thought to yourself, how did a hacker gain access to these systems? It would probably make you think about the types of information we leave behind when we go online.