Co-op becomes latest retailer hit by cyberattack

North-west headquartered retailer, the Co-op, has become the latest major chain hit by a cyberattack, and has shut down its IT systems in response.

The attack affected back-office systems at convenience stores, as well as its call centre services, with the retailer shutting down some IT systems in response.

The company has shared that no data breach occurred as a result of the attack but that it lost access to virtual desktops. Its stores and funeralcare services remain open as usual to customers, with some systems for business services for supermarket teams and legal services shut down as a protection measure.

A statement from the Co-op said:

“We have recently experienced attempts to gain unauthorised access to some of our systems.

“As a result, we have taken proactive steps to keep our systems safe, which has resulted in a small impact to some of our back office and call centre services.

“All our stores (including quick commerce operations) and funeral homes are trading as usual.

“We are working hard to reduce any disruption to our services and would like to thank our colleagues, members, partners and suppliers for their understanding during this period.

“We are not asking our members or customers to do anything differently at this point.”

The cyber attack on the Co-op follows a ransomware attack affecting M&S over the Easter weekend, which is continuing to affect supplies to some stores. The attack is believed to have been connected to a British and American hacking group, Scattered Spider, which has previously been linked to ransomware attacks on American casino operators Caesars and MGM Resorts in 2023, with a British 17-year-old charged in connection to the attack on the latter company.

Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/theco-operative/27138835080