Adidas cyber attack: Your sign to get a career in cyber security

What we know about the Adidas cyber attack

In May 2025, Adidas confirmed that it had suffered a data breach affecting an undisclosed number of customers. According to the Independent, this attack targeted customer contact details of people who’d been in touch with the customer service team. At this stage, there’s no evidence that financial information or passwords were compromised.

The breach is believed to have occurred through a vulnerability in one of Adidas’ third-party platforms, though the company is still investigating the full scope.

While Adidas has not confirmed the group behind the attack, cybersecurity analysts say there is currently no clear link to the same threat actors involved in other recent high-profile retail breaches like those at M&S and Co-op.

Are recent attacks connected?

The Adidas incident follows a wave of cyber attacks targeting major retailers and service providers. One of the most notable was the ransomware attack on Co-op, which left the shelves almost completely empty in many stores.

Although there’s no current evidence linking the Adidas and Co-op attacks, or suggesting that the same hacking group is responsible, the growing frequency of such breaches points to a broader trend: cybercriminals are increasingly targeting large, customer-facing brands with rich data reserves.

What it means for businesses

These incidents serve as a stark warning to businesses across all sectors. With supply chain vulnerabilities and third-party platforms becoming common entry points for attackers, companies must adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. This includes:

• Regularly auditing systems for vulnerabilities
• Implementing rigorous third-party risk management
• Ensuring staff are trained in cyber hygiene
• Employing dedicated cybersecurity professionals

The reality is that cyber threats are no longer a matter of if, but when. And when they occur, the reputational and financial damage can be significant.

Growing demand for cybersecurity professionals

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to increase exponentially. Organisations need experts who can anticipate, detect and neutralise security threats to protect sensitive data and maintain customer trust.

Educational programmes in cybersecurity are essential in equipping individuals with the skills needed to meet this challenge. Courses typically cover topics such as:

• Network security
• Ethical hacking
• Risk management
• Digital forensics

These practical, industry-led modules prepare students to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges.

We spoke to Trevor Horwitz, Founder and CISO at Trustnet Inc, who told us "Regardless of how big or small a certain brand or organisation is, these kinds of incidents serve as a reminder that cybersecurity education needs to be part of the foundation of every organisation, not an afterthought. Over the years, I’ve seen that even the most advanced tools won’t make an impact if the people using them aren’t aware of the risks. Real security comes from a combination of continuous monitoring, regulatory alignment, and a culture that understands its role in protecting the business. Education is what ties it all together and turns security from a checkbox into a real-world defence."

Building a resilient defence against cyber threats starts with education. Programmes that offer hands-on experience and real-world scenarios ensure that graduates are not only job-ready but future-proofed.

For those interested in starting or progressing a career in cybersecurity, there’s never been a better time. The field offers meaningful, in-demand work that plays a crucial role in protecting people, businesses and critical infrastructure.

At Learning People, we offer a wide range of cyber security programmes designed to help students thrive in this exciting and vital industry.