Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
MajorsApr 03, 2018
Saks, Lord & Taylor the Latest Hit by Hackers
They reportedly gained access to the retailers’ cash register systems to steal payment card data from more than 5 million customers.
Hudson’s Bay Company announced Sunday that hackers had gained access to the debit and credit card numbers of customers at two of its retailers--Lord &Taylor and Saks.
New York--Saks Fifth Avenue and sister retailer Lord & Taylor just joined the long list of large companies that have been hacked.
On Sunday, parent company Hudson’s Bay Co. issued a short statement confirming that it had become aware of a “data security issue” involving the credit and debit card numbers of customers who shopped at certain Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks Off 5th and Lord & Taylor stores in North America.
While the investigation is ongoing, HBC said it doesn’t appear the breach impacted customers who shopped at any of its other stores or online, including on Gilt.com.
“The company deeply regrets any inconvenience or concern this might cause,” the statement reads. “Once the company has more clarity around the facts, it will notify customers quickly and will offer those impacted free identity protection services, including credit and web monitoring.”
HBC did not release any specifics about the number of consumers or location of stores impacted, but in a blog post also published Sunday, Gemini Advisory pinned the attack on a cybercrime syndicate known as JokerStash or Fin7.
The cybersecurity research firm said Fin7 announced March 28 it would be releasing for sale more than 5 million stolen debit and credit card numbers on the dark web, and already has put about 125,000 out there.
Fin7 didn’t say where it obtained the numbers, but Gemini said it confirmed with a “high degree of confidence” that the numbers came from Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor. It estimated the breach occurred between May 2017 and now, impacting all Lord & Taylor and 83 Saks stores mainly in New York and New Jersey.
The research firm said it is “among the most significant credit card heists in modern history.”
A spokesperson for HBC declined to comment on Gemini’s statement.
Cybercrime is a growing problem for retailers, including retail jewelers.
In its recently released annual crime report for 2017, the Jewelers Security Alliance noted a “large dollar increase” in thefts by deception and impersonation made possible by the internet, with the average loss from this type of incident topping $1 million.
JSA President John J. Kennedy called it a “dangerous and growing crime trend” for the industry.
On Monday, he offered a number of cybersecurity tips for retailers. Some, he noted, might involve hiring an IT consulting firm.
Kennedy said retailers need to have proper firewalls and up-to-date anti-malware software for all systems, and they need to avoid visiting “questionable and risky sites.”
Jewelers
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
also need to educate their staff on the common mistakes made that let hackers in.
Kennedy said one of the main methods cybercriminals employ is social engineering, in which they use various methods to win the trust of the company’s employees in order to gain unauthorized access to its IT system.
(The New York Times reported this is what was used by the hackers who targeted Saks and Lord & Taylor. The credit and debit card numbers were stolen via software implanted into the stores’ cash register systems that, most likely, was installed through phishing emails sent to HBC employees.)
He said staff need to be told, or reminded, not to open or click into unknown or suspicious emails.
They also need to be aware that emails can be spoofs—which use the exact email address of known individuals—or come from someone who has obtained an email address that is very similar to, but not exactly the same as, a known party’s address. They need to look for foreign domains, misspellings and other anomalies in emails.
When a transaction is involved, Kennedy recommends calling the person on the phone to confirm that it is not a fraud.
He also recommends having a written cybersecurity policy employees have to read and sign, and having regular staff meetings that include reviews of the company’s cybersecurity protocols.
Kennedy said one of the main methods cybercriminals employ is social engineering, in which they use various methods to win the trust of the company’s employees in order to gain unauthorized access to its IT system.
(The New York Times reported this is what was used by the hackers who targeted Saks and Lord & Taylor. The credit and debit card numbers were stolen via software implanted into the stores’ cash register systems that, most likely, was installed through phishing emails sent to HBC employees.)
He said staff need to be told, or reminded, not to open or click into unknown or suspicious emails.
They also need to be aware that emails can be spoofs—which use the exact email address of known individuals—or come from someone who has obtained an email address that is very similar to, but not exactly the same as, a known party’s address. They need to look for foreign domains, misspellings and other anomalies in emails.
When a transaction is involved, Kennedy recommends calling the person on the phone to confirm that it is not a fraud.
He also recommends having a written cybersecurity policy employees have to read and sign, and having regular staff meetings that include reviews of the company’s cybersecurity protocols.
More on Majors
The Latest
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
