Carpetright Attack Reiterates Importance Of Cybersecurity Investment

Following the news that Carpetright has been impacted by a cyberattack which has prevented it from taking orders both instore and online since last Thursday (18 April); Matthew Walton, Senior Retail Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:

“The impact this attack has had on Carpetright’s current orders and its future reputation has come at a very inopportune time for the retailer. The floorcoverings market at the moment is very challenging – GlobalData forecasts that the floorcoverings market will contract by 2.5% in the first half of 2024. The negative impact of this attack may also encourage more shoppers to switch to other retailers including its closest rival Tapi, rather than wait for Carpetright to be able to process orders.

“Like many retailers, Carpetright has taken steps to reduce its costs recently to navigate a challenging big-ticket market, and has already reportedly hired Teneo to explore possible cuts. However, this shows that whatever challenges retailers are under, they cannot afford to cut back on is cybersecurity.

“Carpetright is the latest retailer to be targeted by cyberattacks, joining the ranks of Boots, WH Smith and JD Sports which have come under attack since the start of 2023. Data protection company Thales’ 2022 Data Threat Report shows that 45% of retail respondents had seen an increase in the volume, scope and severity of cyberattacks while 32% had experienced a security breach.”

A message on the Carpetright website on Friday 26th April reads:

Sorry!

Our systems and telephones are currently offline due to a technical issue beyond our control. We are not aware of any customer or colleague data being impacted by this incident.

We are working hard to resolve this and apologise for any inconvenience. 

If you need any help, please pop into store or give them a call. Find your local store here.

Stores

• Our colleagues are in store and ready to help. We do not have access to our systems and cannot process any new orders, but you will receive an extra 10% off new orders*. 

 Appointments

• If you have a Carpetright at Home appointment, we expect this to go ahead as planned. Orders can be placed as usual during the appointment. 

Fittings

• Installations, where booked and confirmed in advance, we expect to continue as normal. The fitter should call you on the morning of your appointment, to advise you of their estimated arrival time. 

Online 

• You can continue to make orders online. 

If you need any help, we ask that you please email contactus@carpetright.co.uk. Our team will help you with your enquiry once our system has been restored.  

Thank you for your patience.

The Carpetright Team  

*T&C apply. Discount available in-store only. Valid until Sunday 28th April 2024. Excludes fitting and services. Visit your local store for more details.  

Source : GlobalData; Carpetright website

Image : martinrlee / iStock / 1310936190

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