Personal details exposed in breach at third-party system

Luxury department store Harrods has warned its customers about a new security breach. The store revealed that personal information belonging to some of its online shoppers has been taken. The breach did not happen inside Harrods’ own network. Instead, it came from the systems of a third-party provider that works with the company.

The stolen data includes names and contact details of some customers. Harrods confirmed that no payment details or passwords were accessed. In a message sent to customers, the store described the breach as an “isolated incident.” The company also said the issue had been contained and that the third-party partner had taken steps to secure their systems.

Harrods assured shoppers that its own system had not been compromised. Authorities have also been informed about the incident. The department store said it is working closely with the third-party provider to make sure protective actions are in place.

Not linked to earlier cyber attack on Harrods

The company stressed that this case is not connected to a previous cyber attack earlier this year. In May, Harrods had restricted internet access across its sites as a precaution after attempts were made to break into its system.

At the time, a loosely connected group of hackers had claimed responsibility for the attack. That same group also claimed involvement in earlier incidents at other well-known UK businesses.

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Following those events, national investigators arrested four people, including a young woman and three teenage males, in connection with the hacks. All of them were later released on bail.

The fresh breach disclosed this week is separate from those earlier incidents. Harrods repeated that the attack did not reach its core systems and was limited to a third-party provider.

Cyber crime wave also hits other major firms

This latest case adds to a growing list of cyber crimes affecting well-known organisations in the UK. In August, a separate group of hackers claimed responsibility for a cyber attack that halted the global production lines of a leading car manufacturer. The disruption lasted for several weeks before operations returned to normal.

Security experts warn that cyber attacks are no longer just technical problems that stay behind computer screens. They can have direct effects on businesses and customers in everyday life. These experts explain that attackers have been refining their methods and are capable of creating bigger impacts.

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Criminal hackers are often described as not caring about who they target or how much damage they cause. Companies of all sizes, whether large retailers or smaller firms, are at risk if systems are not properly protected.

For Harrods customers, the stolen information does not include passwords or financial data. But names and contact details are still sensitive, as they can be misused for scams or unwanted contact. The department store has urged anyone affected to stay alert.