Luxury Department Store Harrods Hit by Cyberattack, Third UK Retailer Targeted in One Week

Harrods, the iconic luxury department store in Knightsbridge, London, has suffered a cyberattack, following similar incidents at Marks and Spencer (M&S) and The Co-op. This latest attack marks the third major UK retailer targeted in one week, highlighting growing concerns about online security.

A Statement from Harrods

"We recently experienced attempts to gain unauthorised access to some of our systems," a statement published by the company reads. "Our seasoned IT security team immediately took proactive steps to keep systems safe and as a result we have restricted internet access at our sites today." Despite this, Harrods' e-commerce platform remains operational, allowing customers to continue shopping via its website.

Restrictions in Place

The company has taken measures to mitigate the impact of the attack, restricting internet access at all Harrods stores, including its Knightsbridge location, H beauty stores, and airport stores. Customers can still visit these locations without any disruptions.

Lack of Technical Details

Harrods has not provided technical details about the attacks, leaving many questions unanswered. It is unclear if a data breach occurred or what kind of systems were targeted by the attackers. The company's statement only confirms that the attack was successful and that measures are in place to prevent further exploitation.

A Growing Concern

The recent string of cyberattacks on UK retailers has been described as a "wake-up call" by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). With M&S and The Co-op already affected, Harrods' attack serves as a reminder that online security is an ongoing concern for businesses across various sectors.

Response from the NCSC

The NCSC has assured that it is working closely with the affected firms to improve their cybersecurity posture. The centre's efforts aim to enhance the resilience of UK businesses against cyber threats, providing them with the necessary tools and expertise to respond effectively in case of an attack.