#

Aggressive Hackers of UK Retailers Now Targeting US Stores, Says Google

Google has issued a warning that the notorious hacker group known as "Scattered Spider" is now targeting U.S. retailers with sophisticated and aggressive cyberattacks. According to John Hultquist, an analyst at Google's cybersecurity arm, these actors are creative, effective, and particularly skilled at evading mature security programs.

Just a day ago, Marks & Spencer (M&S), one of the UK's most well-known retailers, announced that some customer data had been accessed due to the "sophisticated nature" of the incident. The stolen information included names, addresses, and order histories, but no payment or card details, or account passwords were compromised.

M&S stated that personal information was accessed because of the group's advanced tactics. This news comes as Google has warned U.S. retailers to be on high alert for similar attacks. According to Hultquist, Scattered Spider is likely to continue targeting retail for an extended period due to its history of focusing on a single sector at a time.

The hacking group behind the disruption at M&S has been linked to several other high-profile break-ins across both sides of the Atlantic. In 2023, hackers tied to this group made headlines by hacking into casino operators MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment. However, law enforcement's efforts to track down the Scattered Spider hacking group have been hindered due to their amorphous nature, youth, and lack of cooperation from cybercrime victims.

As a result of these advanced attacks, U.S. retailers should take note of this threat and prepare for potential disruptions. With Scattered Spider's history of targeting specific sectors and the sophistication of their tactics, it is essential that retailers in the United States bolster their cybersecurity defenses to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

Google has urged all affected parties to be vigilant and proactive in securing their systems against these types of attacks. As this threat continues to evolve, it is crucial for businesses and individuals alike to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities and take steps to protect themselves from the increasing threat landscape.