Angling Direct tackling cyber attack

Tackle and equipment retailer Angling Direct found itself caught in a different kind of net on Monday after a phishing attack.

The company said it's currently managing a cyber security incident after detecting unauthorised activity on its network late on Friday.

The incident shut down the websites and these remain inactive, it said. Some of the group’s social media accounts have also been compromised.

"The board has appointed external cyber security specialists whose investigations are underway to establish what happened," it said. "Work continues round the clock to bring the websites back online while our 39 retail stores across the UK have remained open and continue to trade."

As a precaution, the retailer has notified the relevant regulators and law enforcement agencies, including the Information Commissioner's Office.

"We are mindful of our obligations regarding data; it is too soon yet to make any determination around the impact this incident has had on personal data, but we will inform any individuals in line with our regulatory obligations should there be a need to do so. Importantly, the company does not hold any customer financial data as our website transactions are handled by third parties."

The incident is not expected to have a detrimental effect on underlying trading and Angling Direct said it will continue to assess any cost exposure that may arise.

"The board will provide a further update as and when appropriate and apologises for any disruption that has been caused to customers by this incident," it said.

At 1220 GMT, the shares were down 4.3% at 66p.