The cyberattack raises concerns over the increasing frequency of such incidents among retailers, prompting calls for improved security measures.
**UK Retailer Marks & Spencer Reports Cyberattack Compromising Customer Data**
**UK Retailer Marks & Spencer Reports Cyberattack Compromising Customer Data**
M&S halts online orders for weeks after breach reveals potential exposure of personal information.
Marks & Spencer (M&S), a prominent British retailer, announced on Tuesday that it suffered a cyberattack last month, resulting in the compromise of certain customer data and causing the suspension of online orders for several weeks. An email sent to customers disclosed that personal information, including contact details and dates of birth, may have been accessed during the breach, although there was no indication that this data had been disseminated beyond the attackers. Importantly, M&S stated that payment card and account passwords remained secure.
The breach occurs against a backdrop of increasing cybersecurity threats targeting UK retailers. Just last month, Harrods dealt with temporary disruptions to its internet services due to a security alert. Similarly, Co-op reported a cyber incident that minimally affected its back office and call center operations.
The rise in ransomware attacks, which aim to both disrupt services and extract sensitive customer data, has put various sectors on high alert. For instance, hospitals have faced severe impacts from cyberattacks in the past year, including the cancellation of over 800 operations and the rescheduling of numerous outpatient appointments, highlighting the potential human cost of such incidents.
The perpetrator behind the recent attacks remains unidentified, and it's uncertain whether the incidents are related. The UK's National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) has acknowledged the situation, emphasizing the need for organizations to bolster their cybersecurity measures. Chief executive Richard Horne described the events as a wake-up call for all organizations and called for greater vigilance against future attacks, underscoring the necessity of proactive security protocols.
As the investigation continues, the retail industry is urged to reassess its cybersecurity frameworks to mitigate future risks, ensuring the protection of both business operations and customer trust.
The breach occurs against a backdrop of increasing cybersecurity threats targeting UK retailers. Just last month, Harrods dealt with temporary disruptions to its internet services due to a security alert. Similarly, Co-op reported a cyber incident that minimally affected its back office and call center operations.
The rise in ransomware attacks, which aim to both disrupt services and extract sensitive customer data, has put various sectors on high alert. For instance, hospitals have faced severe impacts from cyberattacks in the past year, including the cancellation of over 800 operations and the rescheduling of numerous outpatient appointments, highlighting the potential human cost of such incidents.
The perpetrator behind the recent attacks remains unidentified, and it's uncertain whether the incidents are related. The UK's National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) has acknowledged the situation, emphasizing the need for organizations to bolster their cybersecurity measures. Chief executive Richard Horne described the events as a wake-up call for all organizations and called for greater vigilance against future attacks, underscoring the necessity of proactive security protocols.
As the investigation continues, the retail industry is urged to reassess its cybersecurity frameworks to mitigate future risks, ensuring the protection of both business operations and customer trust.
