Department Store Harrods Is Latest UK Retailer To Be Hit By Cyber Attack

The luxury department store Harrods has become the latest high-profile victim of a cyber attack in the UK, as hackers attempted to breach its systems. This incident marks the third major cyber attack on a UK retailer in just two weeks, following incidents at Marks & Spencer and the Co-op Group.

According to a statement from Harrods, the company's IT security team quickly sprang into action after discovering the attempt to gain unauthorized access to its systems. As a result, internet access has been restricted at all of its sites, including its flagship Knightsbridge store in London, H beauty stores, and airport stores.

Despite the cyber attack, Harrods has managed to minimize the disruption to its customers. All of its sites remain open, and customers can continue to shop online as usual. The company's IT security team has worked tirelessly to keep systems safe and secure, ensuring that customers' personal data remains protected.

Comparison with Previous Attacks

The Harrods cyber attack shares similarities with the recent attacks on Marks & Spencer and the Co-op Group. However, it appears that the impact of these incidents has been less severe than those experienced by M&S. The British retailer has paused taking clothing and home orders through its website and app for an entire week, with some stores also reporting availability issues with certain food products.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is working closely with both M&S and the Co-op Group to investigate the attacks. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police's Cyber Crime Unit and the National Crime Agency (NCA) are also investigating the M&S attack, which is believed to have been caused by a ransomware attack conducted by a hacking collective known as "Scattered Spider".

Ransomware Attack on M&S

The ransomware attack on M&S has caused significant disruption to the retailer's operations. According to reports, the attack encrypted M&S's servers, leaving the company unable to access its systems and disrupt online orders.

As the weather warms up in Britain, retailers typically experience an increase in demand for summer clothing, fresh food, and drinks. However, the attack on M&S has thrown a spanner into this trend, with availability of some food products also affected in some stores.

Conclusion

The recent wave of cyber attacks on UK retailers highlights the growing threat to businesses and institutions in the country. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, it is becoming increasingly difficult for companies to protect themselves against sophisticated cyber threats.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to investigate these incidents and bring those responsible to justice. In the meantime, businesses and individuals must remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves against cyber attacks.