M&S customers must take immediate action to protect their identities and financial information after a major data breach, which exposed personal details such as addresses, dates of birth, and email addresses.
Personal data was stolen from Marks & Spencer (M&S) in a recent attack. This breach highlights the importance of taking proactive steps to protect one’s identity and financial information.
In 2020, Marks & Spencer (M&S) suffered a significant data breach, exposing sensitive customer information.
The incident affected over 10 million customers, including loyalty scheme members and credit card holders.
The breach occurred due to a third-party supplier's vulnerability, which was exploited by hackers.
M&S took immediate action, notifying affected customers and offering free credit monitoring services.
The incident highlighted the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the retail industry.
The stolen data includes personal details such as addresses, dates of birth, and email addresses. ‘No payment card information was compromised,’ M&S has confirmed. However, this does not necessarily mean that customers are safe from potential financial implications.
Monitor Your Credit Reports: Keep a close eye on your credit reports for any suspicious activity. You can request a free report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) once a year.
Place Freezes on Your Credit Files: Consider placing freezes on your credit files to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. This will make it more difficult for identity thieves to apply for credit.
A credit file freeze restricts access to an individual's credit report, preventing creditors from viewing their credit history.
This measure is typically taken to prevent identity theft and protect against unauthorized credit inquiries.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers can place a free freeze on their credit reports with each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
A credit file freeze remains in effect until the consumer lifts it, usually requiring a PIN or password for removal.
A credit report is a detailed document that summarizes an individual's or business's credit history.
It includes information on past and present debts, payment history, and credit inquiries.
In the United States, credit reports are maintained by three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
These reports play a crucial role in determining credit scores, which lenders use to evaluate loan and credit applications.
Be Cautious with Online Shopping: Be wary of online shopping websites that may be phishing or selling your data to third parties.
M&S has promised to provide support to customers who were affected by the data breach. This includes:
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A dedicated email address for customers to report any concerns
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Guidance on how to monitor their credit reports and protect themselves from potential financial harm
