The Curve The Weekly: Shopped at ASOS? Your data could be out there & Victoria’s Secret’s comeback
Oct 27, 2026
Emma Louise-Boynton, a writer and broadcaster who opens up difficult conversations, explores the ASOS hack and the shadowy economics of digital ransoms. They unpack a major internet vulnerability, AI-powered cyber threats and the businesses profiting from rising security risks. Then, Victoria’s Secret’s comeback gets the spotlight, from Kylie Jenner’s $50 million bra to celebrity spectacle, inclusivity and whether the brand can stay relevant.
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The ASOS Hack Turned Shopping Into A Security Risk
- The ASOS breach showed that cyberattacks can expose far more than basic account details, including birth dates and payment information.
- Hackers publicly contacted customers through ASOS’s app after the company resisted their ransom demands.
What To Do After An Online Retailer Is Hacked
- Change passwords after a breach and remove stored card details from the affected platform.
- Consider replacing compromised cards; Sophie Hallwright also mentioned disposable cards that can be used once and discarded.
Paying Ransomware Does Not Guarantee Recovery
- Ransomware victims often pay because operational disruption and reputational damage feel worse than the ransom.
- Yet only 60% of businesses that pay recover all their data, leaving no guarantee that payment solves the breach.
