The Works closes some UK stores after cybersecurity incident
British discount retailer The Works has closed some of its stores in the UK following a cyberattack on its computer systems.
The security breach has caused delays to the resupply of stock, as well as online order deliveries to customers.
Despite this, The Works has confirmed that the incident has not compromised any customer payment data and that customers can continue to shop both in-store and online.
The retailer also noted that it has processed all debit and credit card payment data outside its own system by third parties to secure customer payment data.
The Works has not given the exact number of stores affected by the attack, but local media reported that the retailer has kept five of its stores closed since last week due to the hack.
The company sells arts, crafts, toys, books and stationery, operating a total of 520 stores across the UK.
In a statement, The Works said: “There has been some limited disruption to trading and business operations, including the closure of some stores due to till issues.
“Replenishment deliveries to the group’s stores were suspended temporarily and the normal delivery window for the fulfilment of online orders was extended, but store deliveries are expected to resume imminently, and the normal online service levels are progressively being reintroduced.”
The Works has disabled all internal and external access to its systems, including email, as part of its precautionary measures.
It has also been working with its advisors to resolve the situation, as well as hiring external forensic cybersecurity experts to assist in investigating the hack.
The company added: “While payment data has not been compromised, it has not yet been possible to establish the full extent to which any other data may have been affected.
“Therefore, as a precautionary measure, we have informed the Information Commissioner’s Office.”
The Works does not expect the incident to have any material impact on its forecasts or financial position.
Gloss