Cyber Attack
This coverage examines the impact of cyber attacks on the UK retail sector, focusing on incidents that have disrupted operations, compromised customer data, and led to significant financial losses. Reporting highlights notable cases such as the £300m ransomware attack on Marks and Spencer, which halted online operations for nearly seven weeks and exposed sensitive customer information. Other affected retailers include Co-op and Harrods, both of which experienced service disruptions and data breaches. The coverage also explores the tactics employed by hacker groups like Scattered Spider and DragonForce, including social engineering and SIM swapping techniques. These insights are tailored for retail executives, IT professionals, and stakeholders seeking to understand the evolving cybersecurity landscape and its implications for retail operations.
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May- 2025 -20 MaySupermarkets
Law firm files class action lawsuit against M&S following data breach
A Scottish law firm has launched a class action legal case against Marks and Spencer after customers’ personal data was stolen following a major cyber attack. Thompsons Solicitors said it has received an “avalanche” of enquiries following Marks and Spencer’s confirmation that customer data had been stolen through the attack.…
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19 MaySupermarkets
M&S boss faces pay package hit amid cyber attack
Marks and Spencer boss Stuart Machin’s pay is reportedly expected to be cut by up to £1.06m after a cyber attack caused the company’s shares to drop by 14%, according to the Financial Times. The hacking incident on 22 April 2025 could cost Machin about £831,000 on a performance share…
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13 MayHigh Street
M&S confirms customer data stolen in cyber attack
Marks and Spencer has told customers that some of their personal data has been stolen following a major cyber attack last month. However, it said the data does not include usable payment or card details, which are not held on its systems, and does not include any account passwords. It…
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8 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-8/5/25
Next has increased its full-year profit guidance to £1.08bn, up £14m, following an 11.4% rise in Q1 full-price sales, outperforming its 6.5% forecast. The retailer attributed the £55m sales boost to warmer spring weather but cautioned that some demand may have been pulled forward from Q2. While retail sales surged,…
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8 MaySupermarkets
Co-op sends more stock to rural stores amid cyber attack disruption
Co-op has made the decision to prioritise sending grocery supplies to rural and island-based stores in the aftermath of a disruptive cyber attack that has destabilised its supply chains across the country. The news comes as concerns have been raised about shortages in remote communities following the attack, particularly for…
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6 MaySupermarkets
Co-op and M&S face continued cyber attack disruption
Co-op and Marks and Spencer are both still dealing with the aftermath of cyber attacks which hit them last week. Co-op has warned of ongoing product shortages as it continues to battle the “sustained” cyber attack, particularly in fresh categories such as fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy. The retailer confirmed…
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2 MaySupermarkets
Co-op instructs staff to keep cameras on amid cyber attacks
Co-op has instructed staff to keep their cameras on during remote work meetings, as a way to verify all attendees following a cyber attack at the group, the BBC has reported. An internal email was sent to the 70,000 employees of the supermarket, funeral service, and insurance group, urging them…
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2 MayDepartment Stores
Harrods latest retailer to face cyber attack
Harrods has become the latest retailer to be targeted by cyber attacks, only days after Marks and Spencer and the Co-op were similarly targeted. The luxury department store confirmed it has “restricted internet access” in an attempt to fend off the attack, and according to Sky News, is engaging specialists…
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1 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-1/2/25
The Co-op has shut down parts of its IT systems after hackers attempted unauthorised access, causing minor disruptions to call centres and back-office operations. Stores, funeral homes, and quick commerce services remain unaffected. The company assured customers no action is required but is monitoring the situation. This follows a recent…
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1 MaySupermarkets
Hackers target Co-op IT systems
The Co-op has shut down parts of its IT systems in response to hackers attempting to gain access to them. The company stated that the “proactive measures” it had taken to fend off the attack had had a “small impact” on its call centre and back office. Despite this, all…
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