Benetton Group Suffers Ransomware Attack

Company Overview

The Benetton Group, a well-known fashion company with a global presence, has reportedly been targeted by the ransomware group Hunters. Benetton Group is one of the best-known fashion companies in the world, with a network of about 4,000 stores across the globe.

The company is known for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, with a focus on respect for the environment and human dignity. Benetton operates several retail chains under the Benetton, Sisley, and Playlife brands, as well as the United Colors of Benetton and Undercolors of Benetton sub-brands. It has a presence in more than 120 countries and ships products to over 5,000 outlets globally.

Vulnerabilities and Past Attacks

The exact motive behind the attack on Benetton Group is not known, but the company has stated that it has implemented safety and prevention protocols to mitigate any significant damage. The attack was classified as ransomware, but the ransom demand and exfiltrated data amount are not specified in the available information. The incident follows a string of cyber attacks on Italian brands and companies, including Vodafone Italia and the Italian government.

Ransomware attacks were first noticed earlier in January 2023, and the company announced that operations were expected to resume by January 23. Despite the severity of the attack, which targeted several devices and the company's system, Benetton's security measures and preventive actions taken by their IT team and Security Operations Center were able to thwart the attack and minimize its impact on daily operations.

This most recent attack in April 2024 highlights the ongoing threat of cyber attacks on businesses, particularly in the retail sector. Despite the company's efforts to prevent and mitigate the attack, the incident underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and continuous monitoring to protect against potential threats

Sources:

• Benetton Group. (n.d.). Home | Benetton Group. https://www.benettongroup.com
• The Cyber Express. (2023, January 23). Italian Clothing Giant Benetton Suffers Cyber Attack. https://thecyberexpress.com/italian-clothing-giant-benetton-cyber-attack/amp/