Graff Gets Hit by Ransomware Attack
The data breach included some personal details of high-end clients.
Ransomware is malware that uses encryption to hold a victim’s system or personal files and demands payment to get them back.
For most people involved in the Graff data breach, it included details like their name and potentially their home address—which can be retrieved in the public domain from other sources– rather than any other confidential details that would put them at risk of identity theft.
A Graff spokesperson said the brand informed “the small group of individuals whose personal data was compromised to such an extent” and advised them on the appropriate steps to take.
The brand’s security systems alerted it to the activity, allowing it to react quickly and shut down its network.
Graff said it has been working with the U.K.’s Information Commissioner’s Office and relevant law enforcement on the incident.
“Thanks to our robust back-up facilities we were able to rebuild and restart our systems within days - crucially with no irretrievable loss of data,” the spokesperson said.
“Sadly, it appears that notable brands, corporations and even government departments are deliberately targeted by unscrupulous operators to extort money, cause disruption or simply embarrassment. Cybercrime continues to rise in scale and complexity. It is a threat to every business. Maintaining the highest level of security against these threats has always been a top priority for us. We are continually strengthening our systems to counter these threats as they evolve.”
The group known as Conti is said to be behind the attack, the U.K.’s The Times reported, leaking the details of the brand’s high-end clientele to the dark web.
In a September press release, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said it and the Federal Bureau of Investigation had seen an increase in the use of Conti ransomware in more than 400 attacks on U.S. and international organizations.
Earlier this year, the FBI said it had identified at least 16 Conti ransomware attacks that targeted healthcare and first responder networks in the U.S.
While the hacks that tend to make headlines are the bigger ones, small businesses should also protect themselves against such crimes.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance recommends the following actions to prevent cybercrime.
1. Have proper firewalls, anti-virus, and anti-malware for all systems, and keep them up to date.
2. Don’t let employees use company internet-connected devices at work for personal use or download software without permission. Additionally, don’t let them introduce personal memory sticks into a company system.
3. Have strong, unique passwords.
4. Beware of phishing. One of the main pathways for cyber criminals is to lead someone to open and click on a link in an email which will unleash malware to penetrate the system, JSA said.
So, don’t open or click on unknown or suspicious emails. Even emails from people and customers or vendors that might seem familiar can be spoof emails or from someone who has obtained an email address only slightly different from a real email address.
Additionally, look for unfamiliar foreign domains, misspellings, and other anomalies.
5. Beware of social engineering, which is obtaining confidential information by manipulating and/or deceiving people.
Criminals can obtain information on company personnel, customers, ordering, shipping procedures, payment methods, and other information for a fraudulent transaction through impersonation, email correspondence, research on social media, or other means.
So, be careful of the information provided to the public by email, website, social media, or phone.
Also, confirm the identity of the person to whom you are talking. If the interaction includes a transaction, call the known customer on the telephone to confirm there hasn’t been fraudulent impersonation.
6. Avoid visiting questionable and risky sites.
7. Don’t download questionable apps from obscure or unknown companies.
8. Have a written cyber security policy that employees must read and sign.
9. Have regular staff meetings and periodic reviews of cyber protocols for the business.
The Latest
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.