Marks & Spencer 'Working Day and Night' to Manage Impact of Cyber Attack
Marks & Spencer (M&S) is "working day and night" to manage the impact of a damaging cyber attack, according to the retailer's boss Stuart Machin. The high street giant has been unable to process any online orders since shutting down parts of its online systems in an attempt to deal with the breach.
Initially, M&S reported that contactless payments and click-and-collect orders were affected by the cyber incident. However, last week, the company announced that it would no longer be able to take orders through its website or app due to the issue. The retailer has seen its operations impacted for more than a week since first reporting the problem over the Easter weekend.
M&S's Mr Machin apologized to customers who have been affected by the fallout from the attack, saying "We are really sorry that we've not been able to offer you the service you expect from M&S over the last week." He expressed his gratitude for customer patience and assured them that M&S's teams are working tirelessly to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, the UK's data protection watchdog, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), has launched an inquiry into the cyber attack. Stephen Bonner, deputy commissioner at the ICO, confirmed that the organization has received reports from M&S and the Co-op Group, and is working closely with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to investigate the incident.
Harrods, another luxury retailer, has also been impacted by an attempted hack. The company restricted internet access across its sites on Thursday as a precautionary measure following an attempt to gain unauthorized access to its systems.
Customer Impact and Retailer Operations
M&S's inability to process online orders has had significant implications for the retailer, with some customers unable to place orders or collect their purchases. The company's decision to shut down parts of its online systems was intended to prevent further damage from the cyber attack.
Job Adverts and Staffing
M&S has also been affected by the cyber attack, with job adverts removed from its website as tech experts seek to resolve issues across its online systems. This has highlighted the significant challenges faced by retailers in maintaining robust cybersecurity measures.
The Latest Developments
As the situation continues to unfold, customers are waiting anxiously for news on when M&S will resume normal operations. The retailer's Mr Machin thanked customers for their patience and support, but did not provide a specific timeline for when services would be restored.
A Call for Greater Cybersecurity Awareness
The cyber attack on M&S serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity awareness in today's digital age. Retailers must prioritize robust security measures to protect their customers' personal data and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.