Naivas Supermarket Successfully Thwarts International Hackers and Keeps Customers’ Data Safe
On Sunday, April 23, 2023, Naivas Supermarket, one of the leading retail supermarket franchises in Kenya, issued a statement to their clients reassuring them that their data was secure and had not been breached by international hackers. The statement came after the hackers, who identified themselves as “Threat Actor,” attempted to gain access to Naivas’ systems.
According to Naivas’ Chief Communications Officer, Willy Kimani, credit and debit card data was not accessed by the hackers. In the statement, the retailer confirmed that they do not hold any credit or debit card information on their systems, and payment information is protected through Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption.
Naivas immediately intervened and enforced their data security systems to prevent a second attack. They also engaged the services of leading cybersecurity experts, CrowdStrike, to ensure the integrity of their systems. The firm disclosed that its operations are normal, and their systems are secure.
The supermarket chain acknowledged the threats by the hackers to leak the data obtained. They partnered with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner in Kenya to monitor the situation. Naivas advised its clients to remain vigilant against data phishing attempts through phone calls, SMS, and e-mail. They also urged clients to secure their data by changing their passwords and access codes to their personal information available online.
Kimani apologized to the customers for the fear and worry that emerged over the alleged data breach. He reassured the customers that Naivas takes the protection of personal information very seriously. The firm also filed a report with local enforcement agencies that launched investigations into the matter.
Naivas Supermarket joined Kenya Airports Authority in the list of Kenyan firms listed by various international hacking groups as victims of a data breach.
In conclusion, Naivas Supermarket’s prompt response to the attempted breach is commendable, and their customers can rest easy knowing their data is secure. However, it is essential to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect personal information. Remember, prevention is better than cure.
