Why is H&M trending in the UK?
H&M has drawn attention because the retailer said it is looking into claims that a hacking group targeted its systems. The company has found no evidence so far that its data environment was compromised, but the investigation follows a spate of attacks on UK fashion brands.
What happened
- 11 Oct, 2024
South African retailer TFG reported a breach affecting its UK brands Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles; the incident highlighted a wave of attacks on fashion retailers [1]
- 12 Oct, 2024
H&M confirmed it was investigating online rumours of a cyber‑security incident linked to the Shinyhunters group and said no signs of compromise had been found [2][3]
- Earlier week
ASOS disclosed an unauthorised party had accessed some personal data, adding to concerns about retailer cyber‑security in the UK [1][2]
What you need to know
H&M says it is working with cybersecurity specialists while the investigation continues.
The company has stated there is no evidence that payment information or customer data has been accessed.
TFG’s other brands (Inside Story, White Stuff) and its operations in Africa and Australia were not affected.
UK retailers have faced multiple cyber incidents in the past two years, prompting calls for stronger digital defences.
It is not yet confirmed whether any H&M systems were actually breached or if any data was accessed.
Background
A recent cyber‑attack hit UK fashion brands owned by TFG, knocking out IT systems for Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles. The breach did not appear to affect payment data, and the stores remained open while investigations continued [1].
Around the same time, Swedish fashion giant H&M said it was aware of circulating claims of a cyber‑security incident involving the Shinyhunters hacking group. The retailer reported no indication of a compromise in its data environment [2][3].
These events occur amid a broader pattern of cyber attacks on UK retailers, including recent incidents at ASOS, Marks & Spencer and other high‑street names, raising concerns about the sector’s digital resilience [2].
Questions people ask
Has any customer data been stolen from H&M?
H&M has said it has found no evidence that its data environment was compromised, and it has not confirmed any data loss.
Will H&M stores stay open during the investigation?
Yes, H&M’s physical stores remain open; the issue relates to its IT systems and online services.
Is this part of a larger trend affecting UK retailers?
Recent weeks have seen several UK fashion retailers report cyber incidents, suggesting a broader targeting of the sector.
Where this came from
[1] standard.co.uk
Hobbs, Whistles and Phase Eight fashion brands hit by cyberattack
Preview image from standard.co.uk
[2] peeblesshirenews.com
Cyber attacks: Which UK companies have recently been targeted by hackers?
Preview image from peeblesshirenews.com
[3] internetretailing.net
TFG, H&M and InterMarché all targeted by cybercriminals as threat to retail rockets
Preview image from internetretailing.net
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.