Marks & Spencer (M&S) says it has stopped taking online orders as the company struggles to recover from a cyber attack. Customers began reporting problems last weekend, and on Tuesday the retailer confirmed it was facing a "cyber incident". Now, M&S has entirely paused orders on its website and apps, including for food deliveries and clothes The firm's shares fell by 5% following the announcement on Friday. "We are truly sorry for this inconvenience," it wrotein a post on X. "Our experienced team - supported by leading cyber experts - is working extremely hard to restart online and app shopping. "We are incredibly grateful to our customers, colleagues and partners for their understanding and support." It said its stores remain open despite the issues affecting online ordering. Previously, the firm was dealing with problems which affected people using Click & Collect, as well as paying with gift cards. Since it suspended online ordering, M&S has responded to social media posts advising customers that these problems persist. "Gift cards, e-gift cards and credit receipts can't currently be used as a payment method in store or online,"it said in response to one person on X. But it told another that if people have already received an email telling them an item is ready to be collected, they should be able to go in-store and pick it up. "We're holding all parcels in store until further notice, so there's no risk of it being sent back,"it said. M&S said on Tuesday it had reported the incident to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The National Crime Agencypreviously told the BBCits officers are working with the NCSC to support the firm. M&S is the latest major name to experience significant disruption to its online services in recent months. Morrisons faced huge problems with its Christmas orders last year, with deliveriescancelled and discounts not applied. This was followed by two major banking outages on what was pay day for many in the first two months of this year. In January, serious IT problems at Barclaysaffected the bank's app and online banking. It was later disclosedBarclays could face compensation payments of £12.5m. In February, several banks - notably Lloyds -faced outages, leaving businesses unable to pay staff.
M&S stops online orders following cyber attack
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Marks & Spencer Halts Online Orders Due to Cyber Attack"
Bbc News
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced a complete halt on online orders as the company grapples with the aftermath of a cyber attack that has disrupted its services. The issues began to emerge over the weekend when customers reported difficulties, prompting M&S to confirm on Tuesday that it was dealing with a significant 'cyber incident.' In response, the retailer has paused all online and app orders, which includes food deliveries and clothing. This decision has had a negative impact on M&S's stock, with shares dropping by 5% following the announcement on Friday. The company expressed its regret over the inconvenience caused and reassured customers that a team of experts is working diligently to restore online shopping capabilities. M&S has also thanked its customers, colleagues, and partners for their understanding during this challenging time, emphasizing that its physical stores remain open despite the online issues.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent news about Marks & Spencer (M&S) halting online orders due to a cyber attack reveals critical implications for both the company and its customers. The article outlines the challenges M&S faces as it recovers from this incident, reflecting broader concerns regarding cybersecurity in the retail sector.
Public Perception and Response
M&S's communication strategy aims to convey transparency and accountability. By apologizing for the inconvenience and expressing gratitude to customers and partners, the company seeks to maintain trust during a challenging period. This approach may also serve to mitigate backlash from affected customers, emphasizing that the company is actively working to resolve the issues.
Hidden Agendas and Transparency
There are indications that the report may be intended to distract from other potential issues within the company, such as ongoing operational inefficiencies or past customer service complaints. However, the focus on a cyber incident shifts attention away from internal challenges, allowing M&S to frame the narrative around external threats rather than internal shortcomings.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not overtly manipulate facts but frames the situation in a way that emphasizes M&S's commitment to customer service and security. The language used is apologetic and focused on resolution, which could steer public sentiment in favor of the company, potentially minimizing any negative perceptions regarding its operational vulnerabilities.
Authenticity and Reliability
The news appears credible, backed by statements from M&S and the involvement of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). However, the emphasis on customer inconvenience could be perceived as an attempt to downplay the severity of the incident itself. The company’s shares dropping by 5% signals investor concern, which could indicate a more severe impact than what the article portrays.
Comparative Context
This incident follows a pattern in the retail sector, where other companies like Morrisons have faced similar challenges. The article subtly connects M&S's situation with these past events, suggesting that cybersecurity threats are pervasive across the industry. This connection could lead to heightened vigilance among consumers and stakeholders regarding the robustness of online services.
Impact on Society and Economy
The disruption of services could lead to decreased consumer confidence in online shopping platforms, particularly during peak seasons. If M&S cannot resolve these issues promptly, it may suffer long-term reputational damage, affecting sales and market position. This could also instigate broader discussions about cybersecurity regulations within the retail sector.
Target Audience
The news article primarily appeals to M&S customers and stakeholders, including investors and industry analysts. By addressing the concerns of these groups, the report seeks to maintain a positive relationship with them despite the ongoing issues.
Market Implications
Investors closely monitor M&S's recovery from this incident, as it may influence stock performance and investor sentiment. Other companies in the retail sector may also feel the repercussions, as consumer trust in online shopping could waver, impacting their sales strategies.
Geopolitical Relevance
While this incident primarily affects a retail company, it highlights vulnerabilities in cybersecurity that are relevant in the context of global digital security. As cyber threats continue to evolve, this situation underscores the importance of robust security measures for businesses globally.
AI Influence
It is conceivable that AI tools were used in drafting this article to ensure clarity and engagement. The structure and tone suggest a focus on simplifying complex information, which may have been guided by AI-driven content strategies.
In conclusion, the article presents a situation that, while grounded in factual reporting, also serves to navigate public perception favorably towards M&S. The reliability of the news is generally solid, although the framing may lean towards minimizing the impact of the attack. The potential long-term effects on both M&S and the broader retail industry could be significant if not managed effectively.