Victoria's Secret Confirms Hack, Warns That Your Data Might Be at Risk

The fashion industry is no stranger to cyber threats, but when one of its biggest players gets hit, it sends shockwaves throughout the entire sector. Victoria's Secret & Co., a leading lingerie retailer, has confirmed that hackers have accessed its IT network, raising fears that customer data may have been compromised.

Last week, the Victoria's Secret website was replaced with a company banner alerting users about a security incident. At the time, the company stated that it had taken down its website and some in-store services as a precautionary measure. "We have taken down our website and some in-store services as a precaution. Our team is working around the clock to fully restore operations," the company said.

However, with the site now back online, Victoria's Secret has announced that the security incident is serious enough to delay its report of Q1 financial earnings as planned. The company explained that the restoration process had prevented employees from accessing certain systems and information needed to support the release of its financial results.

The announcement also notes that the company detected the intrusion on Saturday, May 24, before temporarily shutting down its website two days later. "The company immediately enacted its response protocols to attempt to contain and eradicate unauthorized network access, and third-party experts were engaged," it said.

Victoria's Secret is still investigating the full scope of the hack, making it unclear if any customer data was compromised. However, the company's announcement noted that its ability to maintain the security of customer, associate, third-party, and company information could be at risk.

The company's efforts to shut down the site suggest that it may have been fending off a ransomware attack, which can spread and encrypt large numbers of computers. Ransomware gangs typically steal data from their victims before trying to encrypt IT systems, giving them more ammunition to extort their targets.

As the investigation into the hack continues, Victoria's Secret customers should be on high alert. With their personal information potentially at risk, it's essential for users to take steps to protect themselves. This includes monitoring their accounts and credit reports closely, as well as being cautious of any suspicious emails or phone calls.

The incident serves as a reminder that no company is immune to cyber threats. As the fashion industry continues to grow and evolve, it's crucial that retailers like Victoria's Secret prioritize cybersecurity and take proactive measures to protect their customers' data. Only time will tell what the full extent of the hack is, but one thing is certain: customer trust has been shaken.