Harrods Is Latest UK Retailer to Be Hit by Cyberattack

London's iconic department store Harrods has fallen victim to a cyber attack, becoming the third high-profile retailer in the UK to be hit by hackers in just two weeks. The luxury retailer confirmed on Thursday that its systems had been targeted by cybercriminals, in a move that underscores the growing threat of cyber attacks on British businesses.

Harrods, owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, revealed that its seasoned IT security team had swiftly responded to the attack, restricting internet access at all its sites - including its flagship Knightsbridge store in London and online shopping platforms. Despite this disruption, customers can still shop online or visit stores, where they will find "business as usual" despite a precautionary measure to safeguard their data.

The latest incident comes on the heels of two other high-profile cyber attacks targeting UK retailers. Just last week, Marks & Spencer was hit by an attack, which saw its website and app go down for several days. More recently, the Co-op Group, a leading food retailer, suffered a similar attack that also disrupted its operations.

While both Harrods and M&S have taken swift action to secure their systems, the impact of these attacks has been more pronounced in the case of Marks & Spencer. The high-street chain has paused taking clothing and home orders through its website and app for an entire week, with some food products also affected in stores.

Experts say that the recent wave of cyber attacks on UK retailers is a worrying trend that highlights the vulnerability of British businesses to online threats. "A ransomware attack that encrypted M&S's servers was believed to have been conducted by a hacking collective known as 'Scattered Spider'," says technology specialist site BleepingComputer, citing multiple sources.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is working closely with Marks & Spencer and the Co-op Group to investigate these attacks, while the Metropolitan Police's Cyber Crime Unit and the National Crime Agency (NCA) are also involved in the investigation. The attack on M&S has come during a period of warm weather in Britain, when retailers would normally see an increase in demand for summer clothing, fresh food, and drinks.

As the threat of cyber attacks continues to grow, businesses must take proactive steps to protect their systems and data from the increasing number of cyber threats. With the help of IT security experts, UK retailers can safeguard against these attacks and minimize disruption to their customers.

Stay Safe Online: Tips for Retailers

Here are some tips for retailers looking to stay safe online:

• Keep your software up-to-date: Regularly update your operating system, browser, and other software to ensure you have the latest security patches.
• Use strong passwords: Use unique and complex passwords for all accounts, and avoid using easily guessable information like your name or birthdate.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to their phone or a biometric scan.
• Use antivirus software: Install reputable antivirus software to protect your systems and data from malware and other online threats.
• Monitor your accounts regularly: Regularly check your account activity for any suspicious transactions or logins, and report them immediately if you suspect a breach.

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