Malware
Major Ransomware Attack Impacts 35 Million: Vans & North Face Owner Reveals Shocking Breach
VF Corporation, owner of popular brands Vans and North Face, disclosed a ransomware attack affecting 35 million people. The incident exposed customer data, including names, addresses, and payment information. VF Corporation is working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to mitigate the impact and enhance security measures.
Imagine this: You’re excited to receive your new pair of Vans or that cool North Face jacket you ordered. But instead of getting your hands on the latest fashion, you find out that your personal information was stolen in a massive ransomware attack. That’s exactly what happened to over 35 million customers of VF Corporation, the company behind popular brands like Vans, Timberland, The North Face, Dickies, and Supreme.
What happened in the ransomware attack?
In December, VF Corporation’s systems were targeted by a ransomware attack, forcing them to temporarily shut down some of their systems. This led to interrupted replenishment of retail store inventory and delayed order fulfillment. As a result, customers experienced canceled orders and delayed wholesale shipments.
Although VF Corporation was able to substantially restore the encrypted IT systems, they are still dealing with minor operational impacts. According to a recent 8-K form filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the attackers stole personal data of approximately 35.5 million individual customers. Thankfully, no social security numbers, bank account information, or payment card information were compromised, since VF Corporation doesn’t store such data on its systems.
How has VF Corporation responded?
VF Corporation is currently cooperating with federal law enforcement and relevant regulatory authorities to investigate the attack and determine its full impact. Although they have ejected the threat actor from their IT systems, they have not yet disclosed the nature of the data impacted in the breach or whether it has affected their employees, suppliers, resellers, and partners.
Interestingly, the company has not informed its customers of the incident through its official website or social media accounts. This leaves many customers in the dark about the breach and what it might mean for their personal data.
Why should we care?
As consumers, we trust companies like VF Corporation to keep our personal information safe. Cyberattacks like this one highlight the importance of cybersecurity and the need for companies to prioritize the protection of their customers’ data.
VF Corporation is a major player in the apparel industry, with an annual revenue of $11.6 billion and over 35,000 employees. They own 13 globally recognized brands, and this incident affects millions of customers who trust their favorite brands to keep their information secure.
What can we do?
It’s time to take cybersecurity seriously. Companies need to invest in robust security measures to protect their customers’ data, and consumers should be vigilant about the companies they entrust with their personal information. While VF Corporation was fortunate that sensitive financial data wasn’t compromised in this attack, it serves as a reminder that even the biggest corporations are not immune to cyber threats.
Stay informed and proactive. Keep coming back to learn more about cybersecurity and how you can protect your personal information. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your own cybersecurity. Together, we can work to make the digital world a safer place for everyone.