What Victoria's Secret's Website Shutdown Teaches SMBs About Cybersecurity Preparedness

Shoppers across the country visited victoriassecret.com—ready to browse, place an order, or redeem a coupon—only to be met with a stark message:

"We are aware of a security incident... our website and some services are temporarily shut down as a precaution."

Just like that, one of the most recognized retail brands in the world went dark online.

No online shopping.

No customer service.

No returns processing.

Just… silence.

According to Roy Richardson, Chief Security Officer of Aurora InfoTech, "Even large enterprises with vast resources are not immune to these disruptions. It's a reminder that resilience must be built into every layer of a business, especially for smaller companies that lack backup systems and security protocols."

The Invisible Threat That Hit a Giant

The details are still unfolding. What kind of security incident was it? Was data stolen? Was it a ransomware attack?

We don't know all the answers yet. But here's what we do know:

• The website was shut down proactively.
• Online customer service came to a halt.
• Orders placed before the breach are being fulfilled slowly.
• The return period was extended.
• Reward redemptions were pushed back.
• And a wave of customers were left wondering what was going on.

While Victoria's Secret works "around the clock" to recover, the ripple effects are already being felt—from missed sales to customer frustration to a dip in stock value during that period.

But This Isn't Just Their Story—It Could Be Yours

This isn't just about a major retailer. This is about your business, your customers, and your reputation.

You might think, "We're not as big as Victoria's Secret. We're just a growing company."

Exactly. That's why you're more vulnerable.

Small and medium-sized businesses in Orlando are prime targets for cybercriminals. Why?

Because many don't have:

• A full-time IT team
• Security monitoring tools
• A tested incident response plan
• Cyber liability insurance

And most don't expect today to be the day something goes wrong.

What If You Had to Shut Down Your Website Tomorrow?

Imagine this:

You're running your business. Orders are coming in. Clients are emailing.

Then suddenly, everything stops.

• Your website is down.
• Customers can't reach you.
• You're on hold with a third-party IT provider who doesn't have a plan.
• And your business, reputation, and revenue are hanging in the balance.

It's a nightmare scenario—but one we see far too often.

At Aurora InfoTech, we believe every business deserves to feel confident and in control when it comes to Cybersecurity.
You don’t need to be a tech expert—you just need a partner who is.

Key Takeaways for Business Owners

Richardson urges leaders to ask themselves:

"If we had to shut down our website tomorrow, what's our plan?"

Here are three crucial steps your business should consider now:

1. Run a Cyber Risk Assessment

Understand your weak points. Whether it's outdated software or third-party exposure, you can't protect what you can't see.

2. Build and Test Your Incident Response Plan

Who do you call? What gets prioritized? How do you notify clients? This plan can make the difference between quick recovery and prolonged damage.

3. Evaluate Third-Party Vendor Risks

As seen in past attacks on major retailers and service providers, partners can become the weakest link. Vet their security posture carefully.

A Local Approach to a Global Problem

Cyberattacks don’t discriminate. And they don’t send warnings.

But you can be ready.

At Aurora InfoTech, we protect small to medium-sized businesses in Orlando with proactive, affordable, and proven Cybersecurity solutions. Whether you’re an online retailer, service provider, or local agency, we help you stay secure, resilient, and one step ahead.

If you're wondering whether your current setup could withstand a similar incident, now is the time to find out.

Call us at (407) 995-6766 or CLICK HERE to schedule your FREE discovery call.