Hackers trigger Co-op to halt access to back-end operations across supermarkets and legal services after attempted cyber breach in Britain

The Co-op recently had to temporarily shut down parts of its IT systems after discovering an attempted hack, just days following a cyber attack on Marks & Spencer.

This development has raised concerns over the increasing frequency of cyber threats targeting major companies.

Taking Proactive Measures

In response to the breach attempt, the Co-op informed its staff that they had taken immediate steps to protect their systems.

As a precautionary measure, the organization temporarily withdrew access to certain systems to maintain security.

This action affected some services, particularly those related to teams managing supermarkets and legal operations.

Despite these disruptions, the Co-op assured the public that all stores, delivery services, and funeral homes continued to operate as usual, without any noticeable impact on customer experience.

Who is the Co-op?

As the fifth-largest food retailer in the UK, the Co-op operates over 2,500 grocery stores and more than 800 funeral homes.

Beyond its core retail business, the Co-op also offers general insurance and legal services, and it holds a minority stake in The Co-operative Bank.

Additionally, the company has a joint venture with Thomas Cook in the travel sector, further expanding its diverse portfolio.

The Co-op’s Statement

A spokesperson for the Co-op commented on the incident, saying: “We have recently experienced attempts to gain unauthorized access to some of our systems.

“As a result, we have taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of our systems, leading to a small impact on some of our back-office and call center services.

“However, all stores, including quick commerce operations, and funeral homes are operating as usual.”

The Co-op expressed gratitude towards its employees, partners, members, and suppliers for their understanding during this period.

The company also reassured customers, stating that no additional actions were required from them at this stage.

Updates would be provided as necessary.

Similar Cyber Attacks

This attempted hack at the Co-op follows closely on the heels of a devastating cyber attack on Marks & Spencer.

The incident prompted the Metropolitan Police’s cybercrime unit to investigate, with reports indicating that a group known as Scattered Spider was behind the attack.

The group, which is believed to be composed of young individuals from the UK and the US, has gained a reputation for targeting major brands with sophisticated cyber attacks.

Scattered Spider, described as a highly organized criminal outfit, typically demands hefty ransoms—sometimes as high as £10 million—in exchange for restoring access to compromised systems.

Security experts have warned that this group poses a significant threat to businesses across various sectors.

Impact on M&S

The attack on Marks & Spencer has caused a severe disruption, with the company’s IT systems crippled for over a week.

Investigations suggest that the hackers may have gained access to M&S’s servers as early as February before launching their attack over the Easter weekend.

As a result, the retailer was forced to suspend its click-and-collect service, and ongoing issues continue to affect customer orders.

In light of these recent events, both the Co-op and M&S are working closely with law enforcement agencies, the National Cyber Security Centre, and data regulators to address the threats and minimize further disruptions.

What happens next remains to be seen as both companies continue to manage the fallout from these cyber attacks.