Bettys.co.uk loses customer records in data breach

Directors for the Harrogate-based Bettys and Taylors have vowed to implement tougher online security and inform customers of any developments, after a breach resulted in the loss of 122,000 customer data records.

Earlier this month, the firm found that its database had been hit by a breach, with copies made of customer details, although the exact date of the attack has not been revealed.

It blames the breach on a weakness in software that it says affects the entire industry, although it did not name the program involved.

Customers were told of the breach in an email sent from Paul Cogan, director for the firm, who said that those for whom Bettys and Taylors had a physical address would also receive a hard copy.

Further, it has put up a website with information on the breach, which includes a comprehensive FAQ section.

The firm didn’t say how many of its customers had been contacted, but it did explain that everything possible was being done to ensure customers are made aware of the incident. The firm is also offering advice regarding any possible security implications.

It advised customers in the FAQ for reset their password, and that if their old password was used on other websites, to reset those too.

The best step Bettys could take would be to advertise cyber security jobs to add some more knowledge and skill in its cyber department. That would increase the chances that an attempted breach could be thwarted before any damage is done.