Toys “R” Us Canada has confirmed a customer data breach after records from its database appeared on the dark web on July 30, 2025, prompting a full-scale cybersecurity investigation and disclosure to privacy regulators. The company’s internal review, conducted in partnership with third-party experts, verified that an unauthorized party accessed and copied portions of the customer database, exfiltrating personal information including names, mailing addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.
Crucially, the company stated that no financial or highly sensitive data—such as account passwords or credit card details—was compromised. The incident began when security researchers discovered a threat actor posting alleged customer data online, forcing Toys “R” Us Canada to act swiftly to validate the claims, contain the threat, and upgrade its IT security infrastructure.
Following the confirmation of the breach, the retailer implemented enhanced security measures, improved access controls, and began notifying affected customers and Canadian privacy regulators, as required by national data protection laws. In its communication to customers, Toys “R” Us Canada advised vigilance against phishing and impersonation scams, warning that attackers often exploit such incidents by sending fraudulent emails or calls that appear to come from legitimate sources.
While the compromised data is limited to personal contact details, cybersecurity experts note that this type of exposure still carries significant social engineering and identity theft risk, especially if combined with data from other breaches. The incident underscores the growing trend of retail sector data thefts, where customer information is monetized through dark web marketplaces or used to facilitate targeted phishing campaigns.
As the investigation continues, Toys “R” Us Canada’s response highlights the importance of rapid incident detection, transparent communication, and proactive customer protection in managing post-breach fallout. The company maintains that it has taken all necessary steps to strengthen its defenses and restore trust following the exposure.
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