The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has raised an alarm following a series of cyber attacks on major British retailers like Marks and Spencer (M&S), Co-op, and Harrods. They’re urging others to be vigilant.
It all kicked off over Easter as M&S had to shut down its online services due to suspicious activity. A little over a week later, on April 30, Co-op decided to take systems offline after several hacking attempts. Just two days after that, on May 1, Harrods faced a similar issue.
Sources confirm that all three retailers are getting help from the NCSC, which likely knows more about these attacks than has been shared publicly. NCSC CEO Richard Horne expressed concern, saying the disruption affects not just the retailers but their customers and the public. He emphasized the need for all organizations to ramp up their security measures, pointing people to the NCSC website for guidance.
The Information Commissioner’s Office is also involved, as noted by deputy commissioner Stephen Bonner. He confirmed they’re looking into the incidents at M&S and Co-op while collaborating with the NCSC. Bonner reassured customers worried about their personal information, encouraging them to protect their accounts with strong, unique passwords and stay informed about any updates from the affected organizations.
Amid the ongoing chaos, M&S CEO Stuart Machin apologized to customers, promising that the team is working tirelessly to resolve the issue and return to normal operations. He expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received from customers.
MP Matt Western, chair of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, highlighted the broader risks these attacks pose, especially to supply chains. He stressed that ransomware poses a significant threat to daily life and called for stronger measures to prevent disruptions to the economy. As the government wraps up consultations on strategies to combat ransomware, he hopes they treat the issue with the seriousness it requires.