Renault Group UK has confirmed that personal data belonging to some of its customers has been compromised in a recent Renault cyber attack. The company said that the breach occurred through a third-party data processing firm used by Renault, marking the latest in a growing wave of cyber incidents affecting major global businesses.
Hackers Target Third-Party Processor Handling Renault Data
In an email sent to affected customers, Renault stated that “some customers’ personal data has been taken from one of their systems.” The carmaker emphasized that no internal Renault Group UK systems were breached during the attack, and the compromise was limited to an external partner.
The company has not disclosed the exact number of individuals affected. However, reports indicate that the breach also extends to owners of Dacia vehicles, a brand operated under the Renault Group umbrella.
No Financial Information Stolen, But Personal Details Exposed
According to Renault, no banking information, passwords, or financial records were accessed by the attackers. However, the data that was stolen includes sensitive personal details such as names, addresses, dates of birth, gender, phone numbers, vehicle identification numbers (VINs), and registration details.
While the company reassured customers that payment-related data remains secure, cybersecurity experts note that stolen personal information can still be misused for targeted phishing campaigns or identity fraud. Renault has urged all affected customers to remain cautious of any unsolicited messages, emails, or phone calls requesting further personal information.
A spokesperson for Renault UK said, “We are in the process of contacting all affected customers, advising them of the Renault cyber attack and reminding them to be cautious of any unsolicited requests for personal information.”
Renault added, “We wish to apologise to all affected customers. Data privacy is of the utmost importance to us, and we deeply regret that this has occurred.”
Cyberscurity Concerns Grow Across Automotive Industry
This incident comes at a time when the automotive industry is increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals. In recent months, several major vehicle manufacturers have reported significant cyber attacks disrupting operations and compromising sensitive data.
Earlier this year, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) suffered a major cyber attack that forced production to halt temporarily. The company has since confirmed it expects to resume some operations “within the coming days,” nearly a month after the breach.
Cybersecurity analysts have noted that car manufacturers are becoming prime targets due to the vast amounts of customer and vehicle data they handle, coupled with their reliance on interconnected third-party systems. These external service providers often become weak points in the cybersecurity chain, allowing attackers to gain access to valuable data without breaching a manufacturer’s core systems directly.
A growing number of ransomware and data extortion groups have shifted their focus to the automotive and manufacturing sectors, exploiting these supply chain vulnerabilities. Experts warn that such attacks may continue to rise as vehicles become more digitally integrated and companies store larger amounts of consumer data online.
Renault Strengthens Response Measures
Renault Group UK has stated that it is working closely with cybersecurity experts, regulators, and law enforcement to assess the full scope of the Renault cyber attack and ensure that all compromised data is securely removed from unauthorized sources.
The company has implemented additional monitoring and detection systems to safeguard against further intrusions. While Renault has not confirmed whether the hackers demanded a ransom, it has reiterated its compliance with UK data protection laws and its commitment to protecting customer privacy.
Cyber experts have advised affected customers to take extra precautions, including monitoring for suspicious activity, updating passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible.
As cyber attacks on major businesses continue to escalate, Renault cyber attack underscores the growing importance of robust cybersecurity practices, particularly in industries heavily dependent on digital systems and third-party data management.
Renault’s statement concluded, “We continue to review and strengthen our data protection measures to ensure the ongoing security of our customers’ personal information.”
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