Article Details
Scrape Timestamp (UTC): 2025-05-02 14:03:20.899
Original Article Text
Click to Toggle View
UK NCSC: Cyberattacks impacting UK retailers are a wake-up call. The United Kingdom's National Cyber Security Centre warned that ongoing cyberattacks impacting multiple UK retail chains should be taken as a "wake-up call." Part of the GCHQ British intelligence agency, the NCSC provides support and guidance to private and public sector entities following major cybersecurity incidents to protect the UK's critical services. In a statement issued this week, the NCSC also confirmed that it's working with affected organizations in the retail sector to assess the attacks' nature and impact. "The disruption caused by the recent incidents impacting the retail sector are naturally a cause for concern to those businesses affected, their customers and the public," said NCSC CEO Dr Richard Horne. "These incidents should act as a wake-up call to all organisations. I urge leaders to follow the advice on the NCSC website to ensure they have appropriate measures in place to help prevent attacks and respond and recover effectively." Since the attacks surfaced, the UK House of Commons' Business and Trade Committee has also asked the CEOs of Marks & Spencer and Co-op to share whether relevant government agencies (including the National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre) provided support. Cyberattacks targeting UK retailers Harrods confirmed it was targeted in a cyberattack on May 1st, becoming the third major UK retailer to report cyberattacks over the last two weeks following incidents at the Co-operative Group (Co-op) supermarket chain and British retailer giant Marks & Spencer (M&S). Harrods told BleepingComputer that threat actors recently attempted to hack into its network, which prompted the luxury department store to restrict internet access to sites. While Harrods didn't share whether its systems were breached, limiting access to some platforms hints at an active response to the attack. On Wednesday, Co-op disclosed another cyber incident after what they described as attempts to hack into their systems. However, Co-op Chief Digital and Information Officer Rob Elsey said in an internal memo urging employees to be vigilant when using email and Microsoft Teams that VPN access has been disabled, indicating potential containment measures following a security breach. Last week, Marks & Spencer was also hit by a cyberattack that caused disruptions across online ordering systems and impacted its contactless payments and Click & Collect services. BleepingComputer later confirmed that the Marks & Spencer breach was a ransomware attack with threat actors using tactics associated with Scattered Spider, where they deployed the DragonForce ransomware on the company's network. Other high-profile attacks linked to Scattered Spider include those on MGM Resorts, Caesars, MailChimp, Twilio, DoorDash, Coinbase, Riot Games, and Reddit. Top 10 MITRE ATT&CK© Techniques Behind 93% of Attacks Based on an analysis of 14M malicious actions, discover the top 10 MITRE ATT&CK techniques behind 93% of attacks and how to defend against them.
Daily Brief Summary
The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a warning regarding multiple cyberattacks on UK retail chains, highlighting these incidents as a critical wake-up call for the sector.
These attacks have affected prominent retailers including Harrods, Marks & Spencer, and the Co-operative Group, with varying impacts on their operations and services.
Harrods responded to the cyber threats by restricting internet access, although it has not confirmed if its systems were breached.
The Co-op experienced disruptions which prompted the disablement of VPN access, suggesting containment measures following a breach.
Marks & Spencer suffered a ransomware attack that disrupted online ordering and contactless payment services, attributed to the Scattered Spider threat group deploying DragonForce ransomware.
The NCSC is actively collaborating with impacted organizations to understand the nature and consequences of these cyber incidents.
Advisory statements have been issued urging business leaders to follow recommended cyber defense strategies available on the NCSC website to enhance resilience against such threats.