The Foschini Group (TFG) confirms a cyber-security incident affecting its Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles brands.
Stores continue to operate, but some online services may be temporarily down while investigators work with external security specialists.
TFG says it does not believe customer payment information was affected, but some personal data could be impacted; affected customers will be contacted.
Separate reports of a hack claim against another retailer (H&M) are unconfirmed and under investigation.
Quick read · 1 min
The Foschini Group (TFG), owner of Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles, says it is investigating a cyber-security incident that affected some IT systems. Stores are open, but some online features may be down while investigators work with external security specialists. TFG says it does not believe payment information was affected, though some personal data could be involved and affected customers will be contacted. Separate reports about an H&M hack are unconfirmed at this time. What this means for you: be vigilant with accounts and watch for official updates. What happens next: TFG will share more details as the investigation unfolds.
TFG confirms an IT security incident affecting three brands.
Stores reopen; some online features may be down.
No known payment data breach; personal data may be affected.
The Foschini Group, the owner of Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles, says it is investigating a cyber-security incident that affected some of its IT systems. The company told BBC News the issue started on Sunday and is being reviewed with external cyber security specialists. In the meantime, physical stores continue to operate, but certain online services may be temporarily unavailable as the probe progresses.
TFG emphasizes that, at this stage, it does not believe customer payment data has been compromised. It will directly inform anyone whose personal information might be affected and will provide updates as the investigation unfolds.
Industry observers note that incidents like this show even major brands are targets for cyber criminals. The key for consumers is how quickly a business detects an incident, responds, and communicates clearly about what happened and what to do next.
01
What exactly happened and who is affected
TFG confirmed an IT security incident impacting its Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles brands. The company is actively investigating and working with external security specialists. It did not disclose a precise cause or the scope of data involved, but some online features may be temporarily unavailable while the probe continues.
02
Could payment data be at risk?
TFG says payment information does not appear to be affected. However, some personal information could be impacted, and affected customers will be notified directly. If you receive unexpected messages asking for personal information, treat them with caution and verify through official channels.
03
Why this matters to shoppers
For everyday shoppers, a cyber-attack can mean disrupted online shopping, delayed order updates, or exposed personal data. Even when payment data isn’t breached, names, addresses and contact details can be valuable to criminals. Keeping an eye on your accounts and using strong, unique passwords remains prudent after any incident like this.
04
What happens next
TFG says it will provide additional updates as the investigation unfolds. In the meantime, customers should watch for official notices from Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles, and be wary of suspicious messages or emails tied to the brands. If you notice unusual activity on accounts linked to these brands, contact your bank or card issuer right away.
Separately, reports emerged that fashion giant H&M was being investigated over potential hacks by a group known for high-profile breaches. H&M said it is looking into claims but had not found any indication that its data environment has been compromised. At this point, those claims are unconfirmed and being watched as the situation develops.
06
What this means for you
For shoppers in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, it’s a reminder to protect personal information and monitor accounts. Use unique passwords for retail sites, enable two-factor authentication where possible, and be cautious about offers or requests for sensitive data after any breach news. If you shopped with Phase Eight, Hobbs or Whistles recently, review recent orders and statements for unfamiliar activity.
07
What you can do now
Check any official notices from Phase Eight, Hobbs or Whistles for guidance on data monitoring or credit protection.
Review bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar charges and report them promptly.
Update passwords on your accounts, especially those tied to the brands’ websites, and enable two-factor authentication if you haven’t already.
08
Quick answers
What happened to Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles?
TFG confirmed a cyber-security incident affecting some IT systems; investigations are ongoing with external security experts.
Is my payment data safe?
TFG says it does not believe payment information was affected, but personal data could be at risk and may require notification if breached.
Is this story over or ongoing?
The investigation is active and ongoing; the company will issue updates as new information comes in.
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