Third-Party Cyberattack Compromises Adidas' Customer Data

In a recent development, sportswear giant Adidas has announced a data breach following a cyber-attack on a third-party. The company is fully committed to protecting the privacy and security of its consumers, and has expressed regret for any inconvenience or concern caused by the incident.

The data breach includes names, email addresses, and phone numbers of consumers. However, it's important to note that no password, credit card, or payment-related information was accessed. Adidas has initiated steps to contain the incident and launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the extent and nature of the breach.

This incident is part of a broader trend of retailers' supply chains being targeted in cyber-attacks. The surge of retail cyber-attacks is driven by factors such as rapid digitization, increased reliance on third-party systems, and the rise of financially motivated, organized cybercriminal groups.

Other retail giants have also been affected. The Co-op and Marks and Spencer (M&S) have had their customer data accessed in a ransomware attack. Salesforce announced that a customer contact data breach occurred due to a cyberattack on a third-party provider. There is a possibility that all three recent retail incidents, including Adidas' data breach, are linked by a common supplier or software provider.

Tata Consultancy Services is conducting an internal investigation to determine if it was the gateway for the cyber-attack on M&S. The breach mainly affected contact information of consumers who contacted Adidas' customer service health desk.

Chris Hauk, Consumer Privacy Advocate at Pixel Privacy, advises affected customers to stay alert for phishing emails and text messages, and not to click on links or open attachments in unsolicited messages. Adidas is informing potentially affected customers and relevant authorities, and has encouraged customers to take advantage of any credit monitoring services that the company might offer to provide further protection against potential threats.

As the retail industry continues to digitize and rely on third-party systems, it's crucial for companies to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect consumer data and maintain trust. Adidas, along with other affected retailers, is working diligently to contain the breach and ensure the security of its consumers' information.