Cohen's Fashion Optical Data Breach Exposes SSNs

A recent data breach at Cohen's Fashion Optical, a well-known eyewear retailer headquartered in Garden City, New York, has put sensitive personal information at risk for a number of consumers. The incident was the result of a ransomware attack by a group known as Sinobi.

On Oct. 28, 2025, Sinobi posted on the dark web claiming responsibility for the attack and stated they had accessed 350 GB of Cohen's Fashion Optical's data. The stolen data reportedly includes financial records, internal contracts and incident documentation. Sinobi threatened to publish this data within eight days of their posting if their demands were not met.

The attack was carried out using ransomware, a type of malicious software that encrypts files and demands payment for their release.

On Feb. 19, 2026, the company disclosed to the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation that the breach affected 13 residents in the state. The total number of affected consumers is undisclosed at this time.

The confirmed type of exposed personally identifiable information includes social security numbers, which are highly sensitive and can be used for identity theft.

Cohen's Fashion Optical's response

Those who believe they may be impacted should remain vigilant for suspicious activity on their accounts, monitor their credit reports for unauthorized activity and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus.

Since social security numbers were involved, it is especially important to watch for signs of identity theft and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.