Co-op 'Very Sorry' After Hackers Access Members' Data

The Co-op has issued a public apology after hackers managed to access the sensitive data of thousands of past and current members, in a shocking incident that follows similar cyber attacks on other prominent retailers this week.

On Friday, May 2, 2025, at 22:33, the Co-op revealed that a malicious attack had compromised the personal information of an undisclosed number of its members. The data accessed included names and contact details, but fortunately, passwords and financial details such as bank and credit card information were not affected.

The Co-op stated that it is "continuing to experience sustained malicious attempts" and has implemented additional security measures to prevent future unauthorized access to its systems. A spokesperson described the situation as a "highly complex scenario," emphasizing the company's commitment to protecting its members' trust and security.

"As a result of ongoing forensic investigations, we now know that the hackers were able to access and extract data from one of our systems," said a statement. The accessed data included information relating to a significant number of our current and past members."

The Co-op assured its customers that the compromised data did not include any information on customer transactions or products and services someone may have with Co-op Group, providing some reassurance that their financial information remains safe.

"We appreciate that our members have placed their trust in our Co-op when providing information to us," said the spokesperson. "Protecting the security of our members' and customers' data is a priority, and we are very sorry that this situation has arisen."

Relevance to Recent Cyber Attacks

This incident comes as M&S and luxury retailer Harrods were also targeted by cyber attacks earlier this week. The M&S agency workers at its main distribution centre were instructed to stay at home, while shoppers complained of empty shelves in some stores.

M&S has paused recruitment amid the ongoing attack, temporarily taking down its online recruitment pages. As for Harrods, there are concerns about the impact of the cyber attacks on consumer confidence and trust in e-commerce platforms.

Investigation Underway

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the National Crime Agency (NCA) have joined forces with the Co-op to investigate the malicious attack. These organizations are working together to ensure that those responsible for this incident are held accountable for their actions.

As the investigation unfolds, we will continue to provide updates on this developing story. In the meantime, consumers and businesses alike must remain vigilant and prioritize data security in today's increasingly digital world.

Stay Informed

If you're a Co-op member or have concerns about your personal data, follow our channel for the latest news, analysis, and advice on protecting yourself online. Don't miss an update!