Canada Computers confirms data breach exposing customer personal and credit card information

Canada Computers & Electronics, a Canadian-owned retailer specializing in computer hardware and consumer electronics, has confirmed a data breach that exposed personal and credit card information belonging to a limited number of its online customers.

The company said it became aware of the incident in late January after identifying unauthorized access affecting customers who completed purchases on its website as guests. The breach involved personal details entered during checkout, as well as associated credit card information. Canada Computers said affected customers have been notified, guidance on protective steps has been provided, and the incident has been reported to authorities.

In an updated statement released over the weekend, the company clarified that the breach affected customers who checked out as guests between Dec. 29 and Jan. 22 and entered their personal information during that process. Customers who logged in using a Canada Computers member account were not affected, nor were any in-store purchases.

Canada Computers said it learned of the breach on Jan. 22 and began notifying affected customers on Jan. 25, revising earlier dates it had provided. The company stated that only a small number of customers were impacted and said further updates would be issued after the review is completed.

The retailer said it has engaged an independent forensic data security firm to assess the origin of the incident, determine the scope of the affected information, and support additional measures to strengthen its systems and procedures. As part of its response, Canada Computers is offering two years of credit monitoring and identity protection services to impacted customers.

Canada Computers & Electronics operates approximately 30 retail locations across Canada, primarily in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, and sells computer components, gaming products, and home electronics through both physical stores and its online platform.