Suspected Ransomware Attack Impacts Vans and North Face Owner VF Corp

VF Corporation, a company that owns popular apparel and footwear brands, suffered a security incident resulting in data theft and operational disruptions.

The incident came to light after VF revealed the incident in a Form 8-K report filed with the US SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) on December 15, 2023.

According to the disclosure, the incident, which was first detected on December 13, saw hackers access VF’s network to disrupt ‘’business operations by encrypting some IT systems,’’ and steal personal and corporate data.

Although its retail stores around the world would remain open, its ability to fulfill online orders would be impacted. In addition, certain customers would also face issues in placing orders through its e-commerce sites globally.

Moreover, this incident is expected to adversely impact the company’s business operations. ‘’As of the date of this filing, the incident has had and is reasonably likely to continue to have a material impact on the Company’s business operations until recovery efforts are completed,’’ the SEC report revealed.

‘’The Company is working to bring the impacted portions of its IT systems back online and implement workarounds for certain offline operations with the aim of reducing disruption to its ability to serve its retail and brand e-commerce consumers and wholesale customers,’’ it continued.

In addition to mitigation efforts, VF is also investigating the incident with external cybersecurity experts and has notified the concerned federal law agencies. It is also trying to assess the material impact of the attack on its operations and finances.

The company did not reveal any details about the type of data stolen and individuals impacted, and, although no ransomware gang has claimed responsibility for the attack; the timing and modus operandi implies this to be a ransomware attack.

The Denver, Colorado-based VF Corp. is a leading apparel, footwear, and accessories retailer that owns 12 globally recognized brands. With an annual revenue of $11.6 billion, the company operates 1,265 retail stores and employs 35K people worldwide.

Some of its leading brands include Dickies, Supreme, Timberland, Kipling, SmartWool, Altra Running, Eastpak, Napapijri, JanSport, and Icebreaker.