Crime

In the Wake of the Cyberattack on Stuller, 5 Tips on Cybersecurity

CrimeDec 09, 2020

In the Wake of the Cyberattack on Stuller, 5 Tips on Cybersecurity

From password security to tracking-number safety, here are five cybersecurity tips to keep in mind.

20201209_Laptop.jpg
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance shared tips on how to safely connect with customers online.

New York—Stuller was hit by a cyberattack over Thanksgiving weekend that delayed shipments, shut down the phone lines, and created other operational issues amid the holiday rush.

It took a few days for the massive manufacturer and supplier to get same-day shipping services on in-stock items and the phone lines back up and running.

While Stuller said there was no indication that sensitive business information was compromised—noting that customer credit cards on file are tokenized, encrypted, and not housed at Stuller—the stressful disruption came at the most critical time of the year for the supplier, underscoring the need for businesses today to invest in cybersecurity.

Stuller did not provide additional details on the specifics of the cyberattack.

In a COVID-19 world, and even before then, the ability to connect with customers online is crucial, whether one is running a consumer-facing retail store or a business-to-business operation.

Here are five expert tips on how to navigate the online world safely.

Ensure employees are adequately protected as they work from home.

Law enforcement officials have seen an uptick in fraud and hacking now that more people are working from home on computers or smartphones less secure than those in their office, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance said in a recent memo.

Be sure all employees’ devices have updated protections in place, including firewall, malware, and spam protection.

Stop using the same password for everything.

JSA advises having “strong, unique” passwords.

When the password for everything is the same, it may be easy to remember, but it’s also easy for hackers to gain access to several accounts in one swoop.

Users may also want to set up two-factor or multi-factor authentication.

“If a cybercriminal were to gain access to your log-in credentials, they wouldn’t be able to compromise your account if they didn’t have access to a passcode that would be sent to your phone,” explained Ryan Ruddock, senior research assistant at JSA, during an October webinar on online scams.

If you’re unsure about an email, just don’t open it.

Be wary of email phishing scams, which are attempts to trick users into giving criminals access to personal information.

“The intention behind phishing is to acquire personally identifiable information. So that’s going to include credit card information, social security numbers, account log-in credentials, and, in some cases, intellectual property,” said Ruddock.

It’s the most common type of cybercrime, said Ruddock, noting that it doesn’t target specific individuals.

Criminals will send a mass email in the

hopes that some percentage will respond.

Misspellings and poor grammar are red flags to look for in phishing emails, he said, but also be wary of any email sent with a sense of urgency, pressuring users to act now, think later.

If an email doesn’t look trustworthy, don’t open it or click on any links. Delete it.

If a link in what is believed to be a phishing email is clicked, Ruddock recommended disconnecting from the WiFi, which could prevent malware from being installed on your computer, running an anti-virus scan, and changing passwords.

Also, be on the lookout for email spoofing, which involves an email sent from an address that’s almost, but not quite, identical to a genuine email address for a contact.

An email might look like it’s coming from longtime vendor, such as JohnSmith@jewelry.com, but upon closer inspection, it may actually read JohnSmith@jewellry.com.

If anything about the email seems off, it’s best to contact the vendor or customer by phone and be sure the request is genuine, JSA said.

Be careful with tracking numbers.

For any questions about a transaction, it’s best to reach out to the customer by phone via the number given at the time of purchase.

“You do not want to use the number given to you by the caller,” advised Ruddock.

JSA does not advise giving out the tracking number on a shipment. If a tracking number of a package is given to someone other than the customer, it may be possible for that person to redirect the merchandise.

JSA has also seen cases where a caller, pretending to be from a retail store, contacts a supplier and requests that a high-end item be sent to the store. The caller later diverts the shipment to a different address.

Set a limit on the number of times an address can be changed on a shipment, said Ruddock, and be clear with the shipper about how change of address requests should be handled.

Some companies, he said, have specified to their shipping company that if there are any attempts to change the address, the package should instead be returned to the company.

Make sure employees know the company’s cybersecurity policy.

Every company should have a written cybersecurity policy that is read and signed by employees, said JSA.

Be sure to regularly review the cyber-protocols with employees so everyone is on the same page.

Select cyber security firms also offer tests that allow employers to determine their employees’ ability to avoid phishing attacks and other scams.

Provide additional training to those employees who need it, advised Ruddock.

For more information about cybersecurity, visit the JSA website.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.
tags:

The Latest

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Weekly QuizMay 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Inoveo Platinum Grain image.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by Stuller

Sponsored by Stuller

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Grizzly Mining Pilala emerald
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat Emerald

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

GemFind Logo
TechnologyMay 29, 2025
GemFind Launches AI Product Description Software

GemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.

Graff Fontainebleau Las Vegas
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas Flagship

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

New York Liberty 2024 WNBA Championship Ring
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic Win

The WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.

Jewelers Board of Trade logo
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT President

A longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.

Logos for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America

The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

Al Capone Pocket Watch
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for Auction

The platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.

Kat Florence Lumina
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K

Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.

Mark Henry Gumdrop Bypass Ring
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored Gemstones

Get a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.

Bliss Lau Bright Ring
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ Ring

From Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.

GIA pearl report
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification System

The lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.

GCALbySarine Diamond Journey Certificate_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the Spotlight

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

The late West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO Show

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

Watches of Switzerland store in Mall of America
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14%

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

Jorge Adeler, Wendy Adeler, Valentina Adeler
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.

Jose Hess Design Awards 2025 Trophy
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce Judges

The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

MJSA 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

Bulgari Invisible Violet Necklace and Rainbow Flow Necklace
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ Collection

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.

Industry analyst Edahn Golan
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy