Dutch department store chain De Bijenkorf has alerted customers to a potential data breach originating from one of its third-party logistics partners.
Unauthorized parties may have gained access to internal personal information, though investigators are still working to determine the full extent of the incident and whether any data was actually stolen.
Delays to orders and returns
The security issue was officially detected on Monday morning. In response, the affected logistics partner took its systems offline to isolate the threat, blocking further access and introducing extra security protocols.
While physical stores and the online webshop remain fully open and operational, the preventive shutdown of data systems has caused noticeable disruptions. Customers may experience delays with order processing, returns, and refund processing.
Payment details remain safe
De Bijenkorf cannot rule out that customer names, contact details, and history related to webshop orders were exposed during the security incident.
However, the retailer confirmed that sensitive financial data was not involved. No passwords, payment details, or bank account numbers were stored on the compromised systems or accessible during the event.
Regulatory authorities notified
As a precaution, the department store has reported the incident to the Dutch data protection authority, the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens. This notification follows similar warnings issued by the privacy regulator regarding data risks across digital platforms.
De Bijenkorf has not publicly named the external logistics contractor involved, though it clarified that the vendor manages backend logistics operations rather than standard parcel delivery services like PostNL or DHL.
Rising supply chain attacks
The incident reflects a broader trend across the Netherlands, where cybersecurity threats increasingly target third-party IT contractors and supply chain partners rather than main company infrastructure directly.
Customers waiting on pending deliveries or return refunds are advised to check their accounts for updates while the retailer works to resolve the backlog caused by the system shutdown.
