Marks & Spencer (M&S) has restored access to its website following a significant outage that left customers unable to place online orders for several weeks. The retailer’s online platform went down on Wednesday evening as it dealt with the aftermath of a cyber attack that had initially disrupted services over the Easter weekend.
Website Downtime
The M&S website displayed a message stating, “Sorry you can’t browse the site currently. We’re making some updates and will be back soon.” However, by Thursday morning at around 07:00, M&S announced that the site was operational again after completing overnight updates.
Ongoing Cybersecurity Concerns
The retailer had previously revealed that some personal customer data was compromised during the cyber attack, with details such as telephone numbers, home addresses, and dates of birth potentially stolen. M&S reassured customers that payment information, including debit or credit card details and account passwords, remained secure. Nonetheless, online order histories might have been accessed.
Impact of the Attack
The cyber attack first manifested over the Easter weekend, impacting click-and-collect services and contactless payments. Following this, M&S decided to halt all online orders to safeguard customer information.
Stuart Machin, chief executive of M&S, stated, “Over the last few weeks, we have been managing a highly sophisticated and targeted cyber-attack, which has led to a limited period of disruption.” This incident has raised concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the retail sector.
Investigative Focus
Authorities are reportedly investigating a group of hackers known as Scattered Spider. This group, recognized for their English-speaking background, is believed to have been responsible for attacks on various businesses, including the Co-op and Harrods, although M&S has experienced the most significant disruption.
Customer Response and Future Measures
In light of the attack, M&S is likely to enhance its cybersecurity protocols to mitigate future risks. As customer concerns about data security rise, M&S emphasized its commitment to safeguarding consumer information and restoring trust in its online operations.
As the situation evolves, customers are advised to monitor M&S communications for any updates regarding their accounts and potential impacts on their personal data. The retailer aims to ensure a seamless shopping experience for its users while reinforcing its cybersecurity measures.
Conclusion
The challenges faced by M&S highlight the increasing threat of cyber attacks in the retail sector. As companies like M&S navigate these complexities, they must prioritize the protection of customer data and the integrity of their online services.
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