Notice of cyber security incident

RNS Number : 2225H

TheWorks.co.uk PLC

05 April 2022

 

The Works.co.uk plc

("The Works", the "Company" or the "Group")

Notice of cyber security incident

The Works.co.uk plc (LSE: WRKS), the multi-channel value retailer of arts, crafts, toys, books and stationery, confirms it has been subject to a cyber security incident involving unauthorised access to its computer systems.

There has been some limited disruption to trading and business operations, including the closure of some stores due to till issues. Replenishment deliveries to the Group's stores were suspended temporarily and the normal delivery window for the fulfilment of online orders was extended, but store deliveries are expected to resume imminently and the normal online service levels are progressively being reintroduced. The Company does not currently anticipate that this incident will have a material adverse impact on its forecasts or financial position.

Customers can continue to shop safely at The Works, both in store and online. All debit and credit card payment data are processed securely outside the Group's systems, via accredited third-party networks and, therefore, there is no risk that this payment data has been accessed improperly.

Since being alerted to the incident by the operation of its security firewall, the Company has taken several immediate actions to protect the business and its customers:

· As a precautionary measure, the Company disabled all internal and external access to its systems, including email, whilst it worked with its advisors to evaluate and rectify the situation

· External forensic cyber security experts have been appointed whose investigations and recovery work are ongoing

· To protect customers and the business, the company has made some immediate protective changes to further strengthen its security position

· Whilst payment data has not been compromised, it has not yet been possible to establish the full extent to which any other data may have been affected. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, we have informed the Information Commissioner's Office.

Enquiries: TheWorks.co.uk plc Gavin Peck, CEO Steve Alldridge, CFO	via Sanctuary Counsel
Sanctuary Counsel Ben Ullmann / Rachel Miller	(0)20 7340 0395 / [e-mail]

 

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