UK Retailer Co-op Shuts Down IT Systems After Hack Attempt

British supermarket chain Co-op has taken proactive measures to safeguard its network after detecting an attempted intrusion into its systems, resulting in the shutdown of parts of its IT infrastructure. The hacking attempt, which was confirmed by a Co-op spokesperson, has disrupted back office and call center services, causing some disruption to the retailer's operations.

Co-op, which operates over 3,700 branches across the UK and boasts an annual revenue of nearly $10 billion, is a consumer-owned co-operative with over 6.2 million members as of last year. The company supplies products to over 5,100 other outlets, including those run by independent co-operative societies, through its wholesale business.

According to the Co-op spokesperson, who confirmed the hacking attempt to BleepingComputer, the retailer has taken measures to keep its systems safe, resulting in a small impact on some of its back office and call center services. However, the spokesperson did not share details about whether the hacking attempts were successful.

Co-op's IT system shutdown comes just days after Marks & Spencer (M&S), another well-known British multinational retailer operating 1,400 stores worldwide, announced it had suffered a cyberattack. In response to the attack, M&S was forced to suspend all online orders, which is expected to impact the company's financial performance.

The attack at M&S was attributed to the threat actors classified as "Scattered Spider," who deployed the DragonForce ransomware on the company's networks. This cyberattack has highlighted the growing concern over data breaches and cybersecurity threats in the retail sector.

A Growing Concern for Cybersecurity

The Co-op's IT system shutdown serves as a reminder of the increasing threat of cyberattacks on retailers. With more businesses operating online, the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks is becoming a growing concern.

According to an analysis by MITRE ATT&CK, the top 10 techniques behind 93% of attacks involve tactics such as reconnaissance, lateral movement, and privilege escalation. These techniques can be used to breach security systems and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.

To defend against these types of attacks, businesses must prioritize cybersecurity measures, including regular software updates, robust firewalls, and advanced threat detection systems.

Consequences for Co-op Customers

The IT system shutdown caused by the hacking attempt has had some impact on Co-op's services. However, the company has reassured customers that its funeral homes and quick commerce operations are operating as normal.

Customers can expect to see minimal disruption to their shopping experience, with Co-op working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. The company is committed to ensuring the security of its systems and protecting customer data.

In the meantime, customers can rest assured that Co-op is taking proactive measures to safeguard its network and prevent future hacking attempts.