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.
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New AmbassadorThe 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry HallThe West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-NegativeThis past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
