Loblaw chief apologizes to millions after data breach, offers free credit monitoring
Loblaw CEO Per Bank apologized to roughly two million shoppers whose personal data was accessed in a February hack and announced two years of complimentary credit-monitoring services.
Loblaw, Canada's largest grocery chain, confirmed that hackers breached certain technology systems in late February, compromising personal details of approximately two million shoppers. CEO Per Bank sent an apology to those affected, acknowledging the breach and the company's duty to safeguard customer information. As a precaution, the retailer forced logout of all users from its PC Optimum loyalty program, PC Express online grocery service, and PC Financial portal.
To mitigate risk, Loblaw is offering two years of free credit-monitoring and identity-restoration services via TransUnion, with enrollment open until Feb. 28, 2027. Bank urged customers to stay alert for unexpected emails, calls or texts requesting personal data and to report any suspicious activity. Privacy expert Cat Coode cautioned that credit-monitoring has limits and that once data is leaked, it cannot be fully erased.
Why it matters
The breach exposes millions of Canadians to identity-theft risk and highlights the need for stronger data security in large retailers.
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