The Newshound

Asos confirms customer data 'may have been accessed' after hackers turn its own app into a ransom note

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026 · last updated 7 October 2026.

Asos has 17 million customers annually across more than 150 countries whose data may be at risk after hackers claimed to have fully compromised the retailer's Snowflake cloud data platform.
Asos has 17 million customers annually across more than 150 countries whose data may be at risk after hackers claimed to have fully compromised the retailer's Snowflake cloud data platform.
The push notification hackers sent to thousands of Asos customers, including a link to a Telegram channel that cyber experts are urging recipients not to click.
The push notification hackers sent to thousands of Asos customers, including a link to a Telegram channel that cyber experts are urging recipients not to click.

Hackers infiltrated Asos's Snowflake data platform and turned the fashion retailer's own mobile app into an extortion tool, bombarding millions of customers with a threatening message ordering bosses to "engage or we will leak it." Asos confirmed that customer names and contact details may have been accessed, though it emphasised that payment card information and passwords were not compromised. GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre has stepped in to offer assistance while the investigation is ongoing.

The group responsible, which calls itself Xuanye, weaponised Asos's own push-notification system to deliver its ransom demand — a tactic cybersecurity experts described as "unusually brazen."

Analysts at AJ Bell cautioned that the attack came "at a terrible time," hitting the retailer just as its turnaround plan was beginning to bear fruit after prolonged losses.

Security experts are urging Asos's 16.5 million customers to stay alert to phishing scams capitalising on the incident, advising them to avoid clicking any links connected to the breach.

MoreDaily Mail NewsThousands of Aussies potentially caught up in data breach at popular online fashion company ASOSThe TimesAsos ‘hacked’: app customers receive alert suggesting data breachDaily MailAsos shares tumble after cyber hack: Will it hit firm's recovery?LBCAsos apologises to customers after ‘unauthorised activity’Evening StandardASOS says customer data may have been accessed after security breachAOL News UKAsos warns customer data may be compromised after ‘unauthorised’ app access
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