Major car maker issues urgent statement as it confirms customer data has been stolen

A major car manufacturer has issued an urgent statement after it was confirmed that the company’s customer data had been stolen.

A notice has been sent out to users to warn them that personal data from an unspecified amount of people has been compromised.

This comes after the car maker fell victim to a cyber attack that was conducted on a third-party data processing business which is used by the firm.

The company in question is Renault, and specifically impacted its UK customer base.

Renault Group UK confirmed the incident and sent out a statement via email to people who have been affected by the attack, where the firm shared that the ‘personal data’ of some customers had been ‘taken from one of their systems’.

Multiple global brands have suffered cyber attacks in recent months (Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images)

According to a report by the Sun, the company went on to issue a full statement, which read: “One of Renault Group UK’s third-party data processing providers has notified us that that they have been the subject of a cyber attack, and that some customers’ personal data has been taken from one of their systems.

“This includes some or all of: customer names, addresses, dates of birth, gender, phone number, vehicle identification numbers and vehicle registration details.

“No financial or password data has been compromised. The third-party provider has confirmed this is an isolated incident which has been contained, and we are working with it to ensure that all appropriate actions are being taken. We have notified all relevant authorities.

“No Renault Group UK systems have been compromised. We are in the process of contacting all affected customers, advising them of the cyber-attack and reminding them to be cautious of any unsolicited requests for personal information.

The car maker has been hit with a cyber attack (blinow61/Getty Images)

“We wish to apologize to all affected customers. Data privacy is of the upmost importance to us and we deeply regret that this has occurred.”

However, Renault is not the only major company to report cyber attacks in recent months as it appears these breaches have been affecting a number of other global brands.

Jaguar Land Rover ended up halting its production with its factory shutting down after it was hit by a major cyber attack last month.

The firm shared an update this week, stating that it hopes to restart some production in the ‘coming days’.

Other companies who have suffered cybersecurity breaches in recent times include UK high street retailer M&S as well as beer firm Asahi.