Ace Hardware, a prominent home improvement retailer, has disclosed a significant data breach compromising the private information of its clients. The breach, discovered on October 29th, 2023, resulted in the unauthorized access of sensitive data, including names and Social Security numbers. While the breach impacted certain corporate systems, Ace reassures customers that local systems at its stores were unaffected by the cyberattack. Following an investigation, Ace Hardware has implemented additional technical safeguards to bolster the security of its data infrastructure.
In response to the breach, Ace Hardware has taken proactive measures to support affected individuals, offering free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services for a duration of 12 months. The Office of the Maine Attorney General estimates that approximately 7295 people were impacted by the hack. This data breach announcement appears to be linked to a previous cyberattack incident in October last year, during which Ace Hardware services were disrupted, necessitating the restoration of 1,202 devices, including 196 servers.
The cyberattack in October 2023 caused the suspension of all Ace Hardware systems, including those crucial for receiving customer orders and processing shipments. As a result, all customer shipments scheduled for October 30th and 31st were canceled. Despite these challenges, Ace Hardware remains committed to addressing the breach and ensuring the security of its systems moving forward. The company’s efforts to enhance data security underscore its dedication to protecting customer information and mitigating the impact of cyber threats on its operations.
