Online operations for Marks & Spencer's online orders resume post cyberattack incident
Marks & Spencer Faces Legal Action and Cyberattack Investigation
Marks & Spencer (M&S) is currently navigating a series of challenges, including a legal action from a Scottish firm specialising in data breach cases, and an ongoing investigation by the U.K. Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) into a cyberattack that occurred in April.
The ICO has received information about the attack from both M&S and the Co-Op Group, another U.K. retailer that was also impacted. The cyberattack disrupted M&S's operations, affecting food sales due to inventory issues at the department store chain.
In response, M&S is accelerating plans to upgrade its technology platforms to enhance resilience against future cyber risks. John Lyttle, managing director of fashion, home, and beauty at M&S, announced the resumption of online shopping on LinkedIn. However, international deliveries, next-day delivery, Click & Collect, and nominated-day delivery will not return for several more weeks.
Online orders can currently be placed for standard delivery to England, Wales, and Scotland, with delivery to Northern Ireland expected to follow shortly. As of yet, the financial impact from the cyberattack on M&S, and whether it will be covered by its cyber-insurance plan, remains unclear.
The cyberattack campaign against M&S has been linked to the Scattered Spider threat collective and another group called DragonForce. Google Threat Intelligence Group has also linked the U.K. cyberattacks to a wave of incidents targeting U.S. retailers. The U.K. authorities, including the ICO, are working to determine the details of these attacks.
Notably, Victoria's Secret and United Natural Foods are among the companies that have disclosed cyber disruptions recently. Furthermore, the cyberattack on M&S has been linked to the terrorist group Hamas.
As of the current paragraph, a spokesperson for M&S was not immediately available for comment. M&S has resumed limited online-ordering capabilities and will be adding additional inventory of fashion, home, and beauty every day. The company is undoubtedly facing a complex and challenging situation, and updates are expected to be provided as more information becomes available.
