Christie’s is said to be in a “state of panic” over a cyber security issue that forced it to shut down its website and block online bidding for the Only Watch Auction.
A New York Times report, quoting two auction house employees who asked not to be identified, says top leaders at Christie’s remain quiet about the details of the security breach and have not addressed questions from employees about whether hackers have accessed confidential information about clients and are holding it for ransom.
Several prominent buyers and sellers also said they had been left in the dark about the incident, and that they had not been alerted to the hack until a reporter called, the New York Times report continues.
The official line, sent by an official spokesperson for Christie’s to WatchPro on Sunday morning, remains that a technology security issue has impacted some systems including its website.
By Sunday evening, European time, there had been no information about what measures are being taken, whether law enforcement officials are involved, or what personal information, if any, has been accessed.
“We are taking all necessary steps to manage this matter, with the engagement of a team of additional technology experts. We regret any inconvenience to our clients and our priority is to minimise any further disruption,” the company says.
A landmark auction in Geneva for a selection of Michael Schumacher’s watches has been moved from Monday to Tuesday, and is unlikely to accept online bids unless the website and system issues can be resolved and clients are satisfied that they can securely share their personal information.
“To ensure the best possible experience for all of our clients, the Rare Watches [auction] including the Property of Michael Schumacher sale has been moved by 24 hours to May 14,” Christie’s says. Adding: “We remain committed to providing the highest level of service to our clients and look forward to continuing a successful Geneva sales week which started with strong results for Only Watch on Friday.”
Friday’s Only Watch charity auction, run by Christie’s in Geneva, generated sales of CHF 28.3 million, despite not accepting online bids.
Less than 24 hours before the Schumacher watches were due to cross the block, clients of Christie’s were still searching for answers, but the auctioneer says this week’s sales will go ahead, with or without online bidding.
Clients are being told to contact representatives at Christie’s to organise telephone bids.
Wendy Cromwell, an art adviser, said in an email to the New York Times: “It’s a nightmare, obviously, with all the payment and purchaser data they own. I have not heard from Christie’s regarding my company’s account.”