TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsApr 03, 2018
Saks, Lord & Taylor the Latest Hit by Hackers
They reportedly gained access to the retailers’ cash register systems to steal payment card data from more than 5 million customers.
Hudson’s Bay Company announced Sunday that hackers had gained access to the debit and credit card numbers of customers at two of its retailers--Lord &Taylor and Saks.
New York--Saks Fifth Avenue and sister retailer Lord & Taylor just joined the long list of large companies that have been hacked.
On Sunday, parent company Hudson’s Bay Co. issued a short statement confirming that it had become aware of a “data security issue” involving the credit and debit card numbers of customers who shopped at certain Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks Off 5th and Lord & Taylor stores in North America.
While the investigation is ongoing, HBC said it doesn’t appear the breach impacted customers who shopped at any of its other stores or online, including on Gilt.com.
“The company deeply regrets any inconvenience or concern this might cause,” the statement reads. “Once the company has more clarity around the facts, it will notify customers quickly and will offer those impacted free identity protection services, including credit and web monitoring.”
HBC did not release any specifics about the number of consumers or location of stores impacted, but in a blog post also published Sunday, Gemini Advisory pinned the attack on a cybercrime syndicate known as JokerStash or Fin7.
The cybersecurity research firm said Fin7 announced March 28 it would be releasing for sale more than 5 million stolen debit and credit card numbers on the dark web, and already has put about 125,000 out there.
Fin7 didn’t say where it obtained the numbers, but Gemini said it confirmed with a “high degree of confidence” that the numbers came from Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor. It estimated the breach occurred between May 2017 and now, impacting all Lord & Taylor and 83 Saks stores mainly in New York and New Jersey.
The research firm said it is “among the most significant credit card heists in modern history.”
A spokesperson for HBC declined to comment on Gemini’s statement.
Cybercrime is a growing problem for retailers, including retail jewelers.
In its recently released annual crime report for 2017, the Jewelers Security Alliance noted a “large dollar increase” in thefts by deception and impersonation made possible by the internet, with the average loss from this type of incident topping $1 million.
JSA President John J. Kennedy called it a “dangerous and growing crime trend” for the industry.
On Monday, he offered a number of cybersecurity tips for retailers. Some, he noted, might involve hiring an IT consulting firm.
Kennedy said retailers need to have proper firewalls and up-to-date anti-malware software for all systems, and they need to avoid visiting “questionable and risky sites.”
Jewelers
also need to educate their staff on the common mistakes made that let hackers in.
Kennedy said one of the main methods cybercriminals employ is social engineering, in which they use various methods to win the trust of the company’s employees in order to gain unauthorized access to its IT system.
(The New York Times reported this is what was used by the hackers who targeted Saks and Lord & Taylor. The credit and debit card numbers were stolen via software implanted into the stores’ cash register systems that, most likely, was installed through phishing emails sent to HBC employees.)
He said staff need to be told, or reminded, not to open or click into unknown or suspicious emails.
They also need to be aware that emails can be spoofs—which use the exact email address of known individuals—or come from someone who has obtained an email address that is very similar to, but not exactly the same as, a known party’s address. They need to look for foreign domains, misspellings and other anomalies in emails.
When a transaction is involved, Kennedy recommends calling the person on the phone to confirm that it is not a fraud.
He also recommends having a written cybersecurity policy employees have to read and sign, and having regular staff meetings that include reviews of the company’s cybersecurity protocols.
Kennedy said one of the main methods cybercriminals employ is social engineering, in which they use various methods to win the trust of the company’s employees in order to gain unauthorized access to its IT system.
(The New York Times reported this is what was used by the hackers who targeted Saks and Lord & Taylor. The credit and debit card numbers were stolen via software implanted into the stores’ cash register systems that, most likely, was installed through phishing emails sent to HBC employees.)
He said staff need to be told, or reminded, not to open or click into unknown or suspicious emails.
They also need to be aware that emails can be spoofs—which use the exact email address of known individuals—or come from someone who has obtained an email address that is very similar to, but not exactly the same as, a known party’s address. They need to look for foreign domains, misspellings and other anomalies in emails.
When a transaction is involved, Kennedy recommends calling the person on the phone to confirm that it is not a fraud.
He also recommends having a written cybersecurity policy employees have to read and sign, and having regular staff meetings that include reviews of the company’s cybersecurity protocols.
More on Majors
The Latest
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
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.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
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.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
