Description

Harrods, the renowned high-end department store, has stated that there was a serious data breach that saw the personal details of nearly 430,000 customers stolen. The stolen details included names as well as contact details, and they were stolen during a cyber-attack on a third-party service with which the store collaborates. Even though no payment details or account passwords were stolen, the hackers contacted Harrods, intimating that they were after money. However, the firm has decided not to negotiate with the attackers. Customers were notified of the breach in an email on September 26, 2025. The breach did not occur as a result of vulnerabilities within Harrods' internal infrastructure. Rather, it was the result of a security error within a partner entity. It reveals a broader pattern wherein cybercriminals target supply chains as well as external vendors that are less secure. Despite Harrods having defended itself successfully against a direct cyber breach during May 2025, the infiltrators altered their plan so as to benefit from less secure third-party services. Harrods clarified that the systems it owns are still secure, regardless of the unrelated nature that this recent breach takes to previous attempted breaches. Affected customers must be on their guard and be careful about other risks. Verifying financial statements and being wary about suspicious messages or phone calls are necessary measures. Harrods has notified the appropriate regulatory bodies and is working closely with the third-party supplier to enhance data security. Being vigilant and practicing safe use of the internet can minimize the potential impact of this kind of breach.