TFG LONDON INVESTIGATES CYBER INCIDENT AT HOBBS, WHISTLES, PHASE EIGHT

The Foschini Group's UK arm, TFG London, says it is investigating a cyber-security incident affecting its Hobbs, Whistles and Phase Eight fashion brands. TFG London said it identified the incident on 11 October, affecting some of its IT systems, and has engaged external cyber-security specialists to assist. The company told customers in an email that its stores remain open as normal, though some website capabilities may be unavailable and orders placed since Sunday may be delayed. TFG London said it does not believe customer payment information has been affected, and said it would directly inform anyone whose personal information was found to have been compromised as its investigation continues.

The disclosure comes as H&M said separately that it is investigating a claim that it was targeted by a hacking group called ShinyHunters, which has previously been linked to attacks on organisations including the FBI, Rockstar Games, Ticketmaster and, according to one report, Jaguar Land Rover. H&M said it is aware of information circulating online about a potential cyber-security incident and is currently investigating the claims, adding that its inquiries so far have found no reason to believe payment information is at risk. Fashion brands including Adidas and Alexander McQueen have previously been targeted by cyber-criminals seeking to extort payment by threatening to release customer data.

Beverley Griffiths, a senior lecturer in security and resilience at Bucks New University, said the TFG London incident was a clear sign that major brands are in the sights of cyber attackers, and that no organisation is immune. Griffiths said the real test of a business's resilience is how quickly it can detect an incident, respond and recover while keeping customers informed, and advised customers to remain vigilant against suspicious messages. TFG London said it does not currently consider it necessary for customers to change their account login details. Both TFG London and H&M said their investigations are continuing, with further updates to be provided as appropriate.