CrimeDec 09, 2020
In the Wake of the Cyberattack on Stuller, 5 Tips on CybersecurityCrimeNov 02, 2021
Graff Gets Hit by Ransomware Attack
The data breach included some personal details of high-end clients.
Graff is known for its high jewelry, counting celebrities and world leaders among its clients. Pictured here is the “New Dawn” necklace from Graff’s “Tribal” collection, featuring 64 total carats of diamonds in 18-karat white gold.
London—High-end jeweler Graff has become the victim of a ransomware attack.
Ransomware is malware that uses encryption to hold a victim’s system or personal files and demands payment to get them back.
For most people involved in the Graff data breach, it included details like their name and potentially their home address—which can be retrieved in the public domain from other sources– rather than any other confidential details that would put them at risk of identity theft.
A Graff spokesperson said the brand informed “the small group of individuals whose personal data was compromised to such an extent” and advised them on the appropriate steps to take.
The brand’s security systems alerted it to the activity, allowing it to react quickly and shut down its network.
Graff said it has been working with the U.K.’s Information Commissioner’s Office and relevant law enforcement on the incident.
“Thanks to our robust back-up facilities we were able to rebuild and restart our systems within days - crucially with no irretrievable loss of data,” the spokesperson said.
“Sadly, it appears that notable brands, corporations and even government departments are deliberately targeted by unscrupulous operators to extort money, cause disruption or simply embarrassment. Cybercrime continues to rise in scale and complexity. It is a threat to every business. Maintaining the highest level of security against these threats has always been a top priority for us. We are continually strengthening our systems to counter these threats as they evolve.”
The group known as Conti is said to be behind the attack, the U.K.’s The Times reported, leaking the details of the brand’s high-end clientele to the dark web.
In a September press release, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said it and the Federal Bureau of Investigation had seen an increase in the use of Conti ransomware in more than 400 attacks on U.S. and international organizations.
Earlier this year, the FBI said it had identified at least 16 Conti ransomware attacks that targeted healthcare and first responder networks in the U.S.
Related stories will be right here …
Ransomware is malware that uses encryption to hold a victim’s system or personal files and demands payment to get them back.
For most people involved in the Graff data breach, it included details like their name and potentially their home address—which can be retrieved in the public domain from other sources– rather than any other confidential details that would put them at risk of identity theft.
A Graff spokesperson said the brand informed “the small group of individuals whose personal data was compromised to such an extent” and advised them on the appropriate steps to take.
The brand’s security systems alerted it to the activity, allowing it to react quickly and shut down its network.
Graff said it has been working with the U.K.’s Information Commissioner’s Office and relevant law enforcement on the incident.
“Thanks to our robust back-up facilities we were able to rebuild and restart our systems within days - crucially with no irretrievable loss of data,” the spokesperson said.
“Sadly, it appears that notable brands, corporations and even government departments are deliberately targeted by unscrupulous operators to extort money, cause disruption or simply embarrassment. Cybercrime continues to rise in scale and complexity. It is a threat to every business. Maintaining the highest level of security against these threats has always been a top priority for us. We are continually strengthening our systems to counter these threats as they evolve.”
The group known as Conti is said to be behind the attack, the U.K.’s The Times reported, leaking the details of the brand’s high-end clientele to the dark web.
In a September press release, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said it and the Federal Bureau of Investigation had seen an increase in the use of Conti ransomware in more than 400 attacks on U.S. and international organizations.
Earlier this year, the FBI said it had identified at least 16 Conti ransomware attacks that targeted healthcare and first responder networks in the U.S.
While the hacks that tend to make headlines are the bigger ones, small businesses should also protect themselves against such crimes.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance recommends the following actions to prevent cybercrime.
1. Have proper firewalls, anti-virus, and anti-malware for all systems, and keep them up to date.
2. Don’t let employees use company internet-connected devices at work for personal use or download software without permission. Additionally, don’t let them introduce personal memory sticks into a company system.
3. Have strong, unique passwords.
4. Beware of phishing. One of the main pathways for cyber criminals is to lead someone to open and click on a link in an email which will unleash malware to penetrate the system, JSA said.
So, don’t open or click on unknown or suspicious emails. Even emails from people and customers or vendors that might seem familiar can be spoof emails or from someone who has obtained an email address only slightly different from a real email address.
Additionally, look for unfamiliar foreign domains, misspellings, and other anomalies.
5. Beware of social engineering, which is obtaining confidential information by manipulating and/or deceiving people.
Criminals can obtain information on company personnel, customers, ordering, shipping procedures, payment methods, and other information for a fraudulent transaction through impersonation, email correspondence, research on social media, or other means.
So, be careful of the information provided to the public by email, website, social media, or phone.
Also, confirm the identity of the person to whom you are talking. If the interaction includes a transaction, call the known customer on the telephone to confirm there hasn’t been fraudulent impersonation.
6. Avoid visiting questionable and risky sites.
7. Don’t download questionable apps from obscure or unknown companies.
8. Have a written cyber security policy that employees must read and sign.
9. Have regular staff meetings and periodic reviews of cyber protocols for the business.
More on Crime
The Latest
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
