Christie's Hit by Major Cyberattack
May 13, 24
(IDEX Online) - Christie's says auctions will go ahead this week, despite a "technology security issue" that forced it to take its website offline, postpone a major watch sale and refuse online bids.
The cyberattack appears to be timed to hit Christie's New York spring art auctions, with lots worth $850m due to go under the hammer this week.
The Rare Watches Live Auction, due to take place today (Monday 13 March) in Geneva, and featuring eight watches owned by Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher, is now due to take place tomorrow (Tuesday 14 March).
The Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction is due to go ahead on Wednesday 15 May.
The Only Watch charity auction took place as planned on Friday 10 May, but without online bids. The Rare Watches auction may also be closed to online bids.
Christie's CEO Guillaume Cerutti issued a statement confirming the auction house had experienced a technology security incident, but provided no additional detail.
"I want to assure you that we are managing this incident according to our well-established protocols and practices, with the support of additional experts," he said.
"This included among other things the proactive protection of our main website by taking it offline.
"I can now confirm that all eight of our live New York and Geneva auctions this coming week will take place as scheduled, with the exception of the Rare Watches sale that is postponed to Tuesday 14th May."
Pic shows Christie's Geneva.