adidas cyber attack shows how quickly such incidents can ripple through a company's entire supply chain

adidas this week reported a cyber attack incident in which customers' personal information was stolen.

In an online post, it said: “We recently became aware that an unauthorised external party obtained certain consumer data through a third-party customer service provider. We immediately took steps to contain the incident and launched a comprehensive investigation, collaborating with leading information security experts.”

“The affected data does not contain passwords, credit card or any other payment-related information. It mainly consists of contact information relating to consumers who had contacted our customer service help desk in the past.”

It added: “adidas is in the process of informing potentially affected consumers as well as appropriate data protection and law enforcement authorities consistent with applicable law. We remain fully committed to protecting the privacy and security of our consumers, and sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern caused by this incident.”

Chris Clowes, Executive Director at global supply chain and logistics consultancy, SCALA, said: “The recent IT disruptions at Marks & Spencer, Co-Op and most recently adidas, show just how quickly a system fault or cyberattack can ripple through a business’ entire supply chain.”

“Within hours, stock visibility can disappear, deliveries can stall, and shelves begin to empty - potentially eroding customer trust in turn. The incidents come at a moment when supply chains everywhere are already under strain from armed conflict, trade disputes, and climate driven weather events.”

He continued: “Nowadays, businesses must prioritise the resilience of their supply chains, which are increasingly digitally connected and reliant on the effectiveness of IT systems like ERP and CRM platforms. The most prepared businesses of today prioritise their cybersecurity by designing robust standbys and backups ready to step in the moment something fails.”

“They also rely on clear, well rehearsed contingency plans that cover everything from a brief glitch to a prolonged shutdown. That could mean maintaining back-up suppliers and freight providers - or even considering near-shoring stock or production closer to key markets, too.”

“While no company can prevent every crisis, our experience at SCALA indicates that businesses that build these safeguards into day-to-day operations ride out disruptions, keep goods moving, and preserve their reputation when trouble strikes.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Cyber security will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.