The owner of high-end fashion brands Hobbs, Whistles and Phase Eight is investigating a cyber-security incident that affected some IT systems, specifically impacting its Phase Eight, Hobbs, and Whistles brands. The company is working with external cyber security specialists while apologising for any disruption.

Meanwhile, H&M is probing a claim that it was attacked by a notorious hacking group called ShinyHunters, previously linked to high-profile attacks on the FBI, Rockstar Games and Ticketmaster. The retail group reportedly told customers in an email that it did not believe customers' payment information had been affected by the incident.

The attack on Asos customers came just a week later, with hackers obtaining more detailed personal information than initially suggested. Cyber-security experts warn that retailers must answer serious questions about their system vulnerabilities.

No organisation is immune, says Beverley Griffiths, senior lecturer in security and resilience at Bucks New University. The real test of resilience is how quickly a business can detect an incident, respond and recover while keeping its customers informed.

These attacks highlight the ongoing challenge for businesses to protect sensitive customer data, despite increasing technological sophistication.