The UK's National Cyber Security Center Has spoken out following a wave of cyber attacks against British retailers that have stricken household names such as Marks and spencer (M&S), Co-opand HarrowrodsWarning others to be on their guard against Similar intrusions.
The current series of incidents – which are not yet confirmed to be linked – Began over the Easter Weekend at M & S, Forcing the Organization to Close Down Its On Its online services. Just over a week later, on 30 april, co-op revled it had proactively Taken Systems offline Folling a series of Hacking Attempts. Then, Barely 48 Hours Later on 1 May, A Simlar Incident Beset Luxury Department Store and Tourist Icon Harrods.
Computer weekly undersrstands that all three retailers affected in the current spate of cyber attacks are currently received reception responses Has much more detail on the nature of the attacks than is currently public.
“The disruption caused by the recent incidences impacting the retail sector are naturally a due to concern to those businesses
“The NCSC Continues to Work Closely With Organizations that have reported incidence to us to fully understand the nature of these attackers and to provide expert advice to the wider sector baseed on the thread.
“These incidents should act as a wake-up call to all Organizations. And recover effectively. “
The Information Commissioner's Office Has also now confirmed it is actively involved in bot the m & s and co-op …
“We have received reports from marks and spencer plc and the co-op group.
“We recognize that seeing cyber attacks in the news can be concerning, especially if you are a customer,” Added bonner.
“If you are worked about your personal information, you can visit our website for Advice and supportMake Sure Your Accounts Are Protected by a Strong Password and that you are not using the same password account Multiple Accounts. We also advise checking regularly for updates from the organization and following their advice if they confirm that your personal information has been impacted by a cyber attach. ”
Working day and night
As the extent of the cyber attacks continues to spores, M & s Chief Exec Stuart Machin Today Again Apologised to the high street mainstay's customers for not being able to offer its usual services.
“We are working day and night to manage the current cyber increase and get things back to normal for you as quickly as possible,” said Machin.
“Thank you from me and everyone at m & s for all the support you have shown us. We do not take it for granted and we are incredible grateful.
“Our teams are doing the very best they can, and are ready to welcome you into our stores… this bank holiday weekend,” He added.
Mp matt western, Chair of the Joint Committee on the National Security StrategySAID: “These serial attacks threaten not just the bottom line of the businesses involved but also will suffer.
“Ransomware is a real and growing threat to many aspects of our daily lives. Cyber Security Affects Us All, And We Must Do More To Prevent these Attacks KNOCKING OUTURE SCONE SOTERS OF
“As the government concludes its consultation on proposals to counter ransomware, I hope its response treats these threats with the serially deserve, and I look forward to the committee Scrutinising the government's next steps in detail, “He said.