Fashion industry in sight: Cyber attacks endanger all companies!

Fashion industry in sight: Cyber attacks endanger all companies!

The world of cybercrime is a sensitive topic that is becoming increasingly important, especially for companies in the fashion industry. In the past few months, numerous companies, including prominent names such as LVMH, have had to find out how vulnerable they are, especially when it comes to their suppliers. Jordi Serra, an expert in digital security from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, warns that hackers are targeting companies and often use the weaknesses of smaller companies. These attacks are often carried out by checking IP addresses without the companies noticing it at all. [Modaes] (https://www.modaes.com/global/back-stage/jordi-serra-uoc-hackers-are-tacking-fashion-Companies-Throough-Their Suppliers) reports on an alarming trend that affects both large and small companies.

Smaller companies in particular often do not have resources to implement adequate security measures. While large companies invest to protect their networks, the little ones are often a feast for cybercriminals. After the prices for cyber attacks have been reduced thanks to automated systems, it is becoming increasingly easier for hackers to personalize their attacks. But what does that mean specifically? The ransoms that are required can depend on the annual turnover of the affected company. This makes it clear that it is not only about data, but also about massive economic blackmail.

The reality of the ransomware

ransomware attacks are now one of the greatest risks for companies of all sizes. In such an attack, data is encrypted and can only be released against a ransom. This type of cybercrime is now an established business model that threatens not only companies, but also society as a whole. According to [BSI] (https://www.bsi.bund.de/de/themen/unternehüren-und-organizations/cyber-sicherheitlage/analysen-und-prognosen/ransomware attacks/ransomware-assassination), the attacks are often of high quality and occurrence are often associated with enormous economic damage.

A typical scenario looks like this: the attackers encrypt the IT systems of a company and threaten to publish the stolen data if the ransom is not paid. The processing of such incidents is often lengthy and expensive for those affected. Again and again it is reported that ransomware is considered a “modern hydra” that adapts and develops continuously, such as [Forbes] (https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2025/26/data-heft-is-thransomware-normal-extortion-emands-demands- 600000/)) determined.

The threat from digital kidnapping

The tactics of double blackmail have now become standard among cyber criminal actors. Data is not only stolen, but also encrypted to increase the pressure on the victims. Kerri Shafer-Page by Arctic Wolf emphasizes that 96 % of the ransomware incidents have recently been accompanied by data theft. This development forces companies to rethink and improve their security measures because the threats are becoming increasingly complex.

Cybercrime has become so professional that the entry hurdles for new attackers have dropped. It is often sufficient to have a few basic knowledge to immerse yourself in the cyber world. However, the most profitable business models are still those based on ransomware, which is not least supported by a report by Arctic Wolf.

To counteract this, companies should set up a security committee and encourage themselves to share resources. This can be particularly important for small companies that often feel left alone. Good crisis management and the awareness of the employees are essential to better grown the dangers of the cyber world.

The message is clear: cyber security must become the top priority on the agenda of every CEO. This is the only way to prepare for the digital future - a future that is characterized by both quick technical progress and the lack of specialists in the field of cybersecurity.