Aussie customers caught up in global data breach

Some 400,000 customers from all over the world, including Australia, have been left exposed, after luxury retailer Louis Vuitton experienced a data breach.

Signage is seen at the Louis Vuitton store in the CBD of Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

Global fashion retailer Louis Vuitton has experienced a data breach of sensitive information including, passport details, email addresses and phone numbers, that has left more than 400,000 customers in several countries, including Australia.

Louis Vuitton Australia and New Zealand on Tuesday afternoon confirmed an unauthorised party had accessed some client data, which it is investigating with the support of cybersecurity experts.

It said no payment information had been accessed, but the fashion brans was working to notify the relevant regulators and affected clients in line with the law.

Sky News earlier reported local customers of the luxury brand were subject to a data breach by an “unauthorised third party” on July 2.

Information leaked includes full name, gender, country, postal address, date of birth, and purchase history.

Louis Vuitton said security measures had been taken to contain the leak.

“Technical measures were immediately taken to contain the incident after its occurrence, notably by blocking the unauthorised access. Louis Vuitton teams are mobilised to co-operate with the competent authorities which have been notified,” the statement read.

General view of the Louis Vuitton store in the CBD of Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

The French luxury house urged vigilance, recommending customers stay wary of any unsolicited communication or suspicious correspondence, including emails, phone calls or texts.

“While we have no evidence that your data has been misused to date, phishing attempts, fraud attempts, or unauthorized use of your information may occur,” it read.

Louis Vuitton has been victim to similar data breaches in the last month, with reports of sensitive information being accessed in South Korea, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong earlier this month.

Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog confirmed in a statement it was investigating a potential leak that included phone numbers, passport details and email addresses, after the breach was reported by the retailer on July 17.

More than 400,000 customers are estimated to have been impacted in Hong Kong, with the Privacy Commissioner’s Office investigating whether Louis Vuitton delayed notifying the statutory body of the leak.

Louis Vuitton has been contacted for comment.