Retailers face rising cyberattacks targeting data and supply chains

Retailers are facing an increasing wave of cyberattacks targeting both customer data and critical operational infrastructure. TFG London, the UK arm of The Foschini Group, recently reported a cyber incident that disrupted online functions for brands including Hobbs, Whistles, and Phase Eight. While the company stated that stores remained operational and believed payment information was not compromised, it is investigating whether sensitive customer data was impacted.

This incident follows a broader trend of retail sector vulnerabilities. Recent attacks have affected ASOS and the owner of Hobbs, as well as supermarket refrigeration systems in France. Experts note that criminals are increasingly exploiting interconnected supply chains and remote management tools to bypass conventional security checks.

The economic impact of these disruptions is significant. For example, Co-op reported an estimated £206 million in lost sales following an attack, and M&S was forced to suspend online and app orders for several weeks. Security analysts highlight that 69% of ransomware attacks in 2025 occurred outside of standard business hours, complicating rapid response efforts.