### Marks & Spencer Website Experiences Major Outage Following Cyber Attack
The renowned retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) is currently facing a significant setback, as its official website has become completely inoperative, thereby hindering customers from browsing or making online purchases. This disruption follows an earlier cyber-attack incident that occurred last month, which has now prompted the company to confront considerable repercussions, especially regarding its online services.
Since the cyber-attack, customers have reported severe difficulties in placing online orders, which have persisted for weeks. On a recent Wednesday evening, users attempting to access the website were greeted with an apology screen stating: “Sorry you can’t browse the site currently. We’re making some updates and will be back soon.” This message highlights the ongoing challenges M&S faces in restoring its website functionality and regaining customer trust.
In an official statement earlier that day, M&S disclosed that the repercussions of the cyber incident are expected to impact the retailer’s profit by an estimated £300 million this fiscal year. The company also mentioned that its online services are likely to remain disrupted until July, indicating a gradual process towards full restoration of normal operations.
Following the cyber attack, which primarily took place over the Easter weekend, M&S confirmed that personal customer data had been compromised. While the company assured its clients that payment methods or any account passwords were not part of the stolen data, it did reveal that information such as telephone numbers, home addresses, and dates of birth may have been exposed. Additionally, online order histories could also be included in the affected data set, leaving customers concerned about potential misuse of their information.
The initial impact of the cyber-attack became evident as it disrupted basic functionalities, including click-and-collect services and contactless payments. Shortly after the event, M&S responded by placing a banner on its website to apologize to customers for the online ordering failures, emphasizing their commitment to rectify the issues at hand.
Stewart Machin, the chief executive of M&S, stated that the company has been managing a “highly sophisticated and targeted cyber-attack.” He acknowledged the limited disruption it has caused and emphasized the company’s efforts to safeguard its systems and customer data.
The incident attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies, who are reportedly investigating a group of hackers known as “Scattered Spider.” This group is believed to have orchestrated attacks on other notable retailers, including the Co-op and Harrods, but it is M&S that has experienced the most significant impact. Investigators are now focusing on this group in hopes of identifying the culprits and preventing further damage.
As M&S grapples with the consequences of this cyber crisis, consumers are left awaiting tangible solutions and a timeline for the restoration of full services. The company’s struggle highlights an increasing issue within the retail sector concerning cybersecurity and the implications of online shopping in an age where data breaches and cyber threats are alarmingly prevalent.
In conclusion, M&S is undergoing a critical phase marked by a complete website outage following a serious cyber-attack. The ramifications of this attack extend beyond mere inconveniences for customers; they underscore the essential need for enhanced cybersecurity measures within the retail industry. As the company works towards a resolution, stakeholders are keenly observing how M&S will navigate the challenges ahead.