The Co-op has shut down parts of its IT systems in response to hackers attempting to gain access to them. It said the "proactive measures" it had taken to fend off the attack had had a "small impact" on its call centre and back office. Meanwhile, The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it's looking into the major cyber attack at fellow retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S). "Detectives from the Met's cyber crime unit are investigating," it said in a statement. It is not known whether there is any link between the two incidents. There are more than 2,500 Co-op supermarkets in the UK, as well as 800 funeral homes. It also provides food to Nisa shops. A spokesperson confirmed its shops and funeral homes were operating as usual following the attempted hack. "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," they said. "We are not asking our members or customers to do anything differently at this point." It comes as M&Senters the second week of a cyber attackthat has caused chaos costing it millions of pounds in lost sales. The retailer has not said what took out its online ordering systems and left empty shelves in stores, but the BBC has been told by security experts that ransomware called DragonForce was used. Ciaran Martin, the founding Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), told the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday it had "serious" consequences for M&S. Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletterto follow the world's top tech stories and trends.Outside the UK? Sign up here.
Co-op fends off hackers as police probe M&S cyber attack
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Co-op Implements IT Shutdown Amid Cybersecurity Threats; Police Investigate M&S Attack"
Bbc News
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
The Co-op has taken decisive action to protect its IT systems by shutting down certain parts in response to attempted hacking activities. The company reported that these proactive measures, while necessary, have resulted in a minor impact on its call center and back office operations. Despite this disruption, the Co-op reassured its customers and partners that its supermarkets and funeral homes continue to function normally. A spokesperson emphasized the organization's commitment to minimizing service disruptions and expressed gratitude towards its employees and suppliers for their patience during this challenging time. Importantly, the Co-op stated that no changes are required from its members or customers at this point, indicating that the situation is under control for the time being.
In a related development, the Metropolitan Police have initiated an investigation into a significant cyber attack targeting Marks & Spencer (M&S), which has resulted in substantial operational challenges for the retailer. The investigation is being conducted by the Met's cyber crime unit, although it remains unclear whether there is any connection between the Co-op's incident and the attack on M&S. Reports suggest that M&S has been grappling with online ordering system failures and empty shelves in stores for over a week, with estimates of losses running into millions of pounds. Security experts have indicated that the ransomware known as DragonForce may be responsible for the chaos affecting M&S. Ciaran Martin, former Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Centre, warned that the consequences of the attack on M&S are severe, highlighting the ongoing threats posed by cybercriminals to major retailers in the UK.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the Co-op's response to a cyber attack while also addressing an ongoing investigation into a separate cyber incident affecting Marks & Spencer (M&S). It illustrates the growing concerns regarding cybersecurity within the retail sector, which has become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats.
Purpose of the Report
The main aim of the article appears to be informing the public about the proactive measures taken by Co-op in response to a cyber threat, while also bringing attention to the significant impact of the M&S cyber attack. This may serve to reassure Co-op customers and stakeholders about their safety and the company's commitment to maintaining operational integrity in light of such challenges.
Public Perception
The information provided can create a perception of vigilance and responsiveness from Co-op, which may enhance customer trust. However, it also underscores the potential dangers of cyber attacks in the retail sector, which could lead to increased public anxiety regarding the safety of personal information and the reliability of services offered by such businesses.
Information Concealment
While the article primarily focuses on the incidents, it does not provide extensive background information on the broader context of cyber security issues in the retail sector. This omission might suggest an attempt to minimize potential panic or to avoid highlighting systemic vulnerabilities that could affect consumer confidence across the board.
Manipulative Elements
The article's manipulation quotient seems moderate. The language used is straightforward, focusing on factual reporting rather than sensationalism. However, the juxtaposition of Co-op's proactive measures against M&S's struggles could evoke a sense of competitive advantage for Co-op, which may not be entirely warranted given the two incidents' circumstances.
Reliability of the Information
The article appears reliable, as it cites authoritative sources, including the Metropolitan Police and a cybersecurity expert. However, the lack of detailed information regarding the nature of the cyber attacks and the specific implications for consumers may limit its comprehensiveness.
Societal Impact
This news could contribute to a heightened awareness of cybersecurity in retail, potentially prompting businesses to invest more in protective measures. It could also lead to increased regulatory scrutiny in the sector and influence consumer behavior, as people may become more cautious about where they shop.
Target Audience
The article likely targets a wide audience, including consumers who are concerned about personal data security and stakeholders within the retail sector. It could resonate particularly with individuals who prioritize cybersecurity in their shopping choices.
Market Implications
While the news covers two specific companies, it may indirectly affect investors and market sentiment regarding the retail sector's stability. Stocks for companies involved in cybersecurity solutions might see increased interest as businesses seek to mitigate risks following these incidents.
Global Context
In a broader sense, the article reflects ongoing global concerns about cybersecurity, especially as retail becomes more digitized. The implications of such attacks could have far-reaching effects on international trade and consumer behavior, particularly in an era where online shopping is prevalent.
Use of AI in the Report
There is no clear indication that AI was specifically employed in crafting the article. However, the structured presentation and clear language could suggest the influence of AI tools in drafting or editing processes, which might have streamlined the focus on key points to enhance readability.
Conclusion
Overall, the article presents a timely report on significant cyber incidents affecting two major retailers, emphasizing both the immediate responses and broader implications for the industry. Its reliability is fairly strong, although it lacks some depth regarding the systemic issues at play.