The Marks & Spencer website is down, leaving users unable to browse, as the retailer continues to deal with the aftermath of a cyber-attack last month. Customers have been unable to make online orders for weeks but on Wednesday evening users were met with a screen reading: "Sorry you can't browse the site currently. We're making some updates and will be back soon." M&S has been contacted for comment. Earlier in the day,the retailer said it estimates that the cyber-attack will hit this year's profits by around £300. It added that its online services would continue to be disrupted until July, with a gradual return to normal. Following the cyber attack, M&S said some personal customer data was stolen in the recent cyber attack, which could include telephone numbers, home addresses and dates of birth. The High Street giant assured customers that the data theft did not include useable payment or card details, or any account passwords, but added that online order histories could be included in the personal data stolen. The attack took place over the Easter weekend, initially affecting click-and-collect and contactless payments. A few days later M&S put a banner on its website apologising that online ordering was not available. M&S estimates that the cyber attack will hit this year's profits by around £300m - more than analysts had expected and the equivalent to a third of its profit - a sum that would only partly be covered by any insurance pay-out. "Over the last few weeks, we have been managing a highly sophisticated and targeted cyber-attack, which has led to a limited period of disruption," said M&S chief executive Stuart Machin. Police are focusing on a notorious group of English-speaking hackers, known as Scattered Spider, the BBC has learned. The same group is believed to have been behind attacks on the Co-op and Harrods, but it was M&S that suffered the biggest impact.
M&S website completely down, leaving users unable to browse
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Marks & Spencer Website Down Following Cyber-Attack"
Bbc News
8.4
TruthLens AI Summary
The Marks & Spencer (M&S) website is currently non-operational, leaving customers unable to browse or make online purchases for an extended period. This disruption is a direct consequence of a cyber-attack that occurred last month, with M&S informing users that they are making updates to the site. On Wednesday evening, visitors were greeted with a message indicating that the website was temporarily unavailable, a situation that has persisted for weeks. The retailer has yet to provide a detailed comment regarding the outage. Earlier reports from M&S suggest that the cyber-attack is projected to impact this year's profits by approximately £300 million, a figure that significantly exceeds prior analyst expectations and represents about one-third of its anticipated profit for the year. The company has indicated that its online services will continue to face interruptions until July, with a gradual restoration of normalcy expected thereafter.
In addition to the operational setbacks, M&S has confirmed that the cyber-attack resulted in the theft of certain personal customer data, which may include sensitive information such as telephone numbers, home addresses, and dates of birth. However, the retailer reassured customers that no payment card details or account passwords were compromised. The attack, which originated over the Easter weekend, initially disrupted click-and-collect services and contactless payments. M&S has placed a banner on its website apologizing for the unavailability of online ordering. Chief Executive Stuart Machin remarked on the sophisticated nature of the attack, which has led to a challenging period of adjustment for the company. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, with a focus on a group of hackers known as Scattered Spider, which is believed to be responsible for similar attacks on other retailers, including the Co-op and Harrods. M&S appears to have been the most severely affected by this recent wave of cybercrime.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the significant impact of a cyber-attack on the Marks & Spencer (M&S) website, leaving customers unable to make online purchases. The situation has escalated to a complete shutdown of the site, which is indicative of the broader implications of cyber threats on businesses and consumer trust.
Impact on Consumer Trust and Brand Reputation
The continuous disruption of M&S's online services can severely affect customer trust and loyalty. The inability to place orders and the uncertainty surrounding personal data security might lead to customers seeking alternatives, thereby damaging M&S's reputation. The mention of the data theft, although it is specified that payment details were not compromised, could still instill fear among customers regarding their personal information.
Financial Consequences
The estimated £300 million hit to profits indicates a severe financial strain on M&S that exceeds initial expectations. This substantial loss could lead to a reevaluation of operational strategies, including potential layoffs or cutbacks in services, impacting employees and suppliers. The article suggests that only a portion of this loss may be covered by insurance, indicating a significant financial burden ahead.
Connection to Broader Cybersecurity Issues
The involvement of a known hacker group, Scattered Spider, points to a larger trend of sophisticated cyber-attacks targeting major corporations. This not only emphasizes the ongoing risk businesses face but also serves as a wake-up call for other retailers to bolster their cybersecurity measures. The connection with other attacks on Co-op and Harrods illustrates that this is part of a wider issue affecting the retail sector.
Potential Market Reactions
This news could have ramifications for the stock market, particularly for companies in the retail sector. Investors may view M&S's situation as a cautionary tale, potentially leading to declines in share prices for retailers perceived as vulnerable to similar attacks. The broader market sentiment could shift towards risk aversion in the technology and retail sectors.
Public Perception and Community Reaction
Different communities may interpret this news differently. Tech-savvy consumers may demand better security measures and transparency from retailers, while others might focus on the immediate inconvenience of service disruption. The article addresses a wide audience, especially those concerned with online security, potentially aligning with consumer advocacy groups that prioritize data protection.
Conclusion on Reliability and Manipulation
The article maintains a factual tone, presenting the situation without overt manipulation. However, the emphasis on financial impact and data theft may evoke a sense of urgency and concern among readers, which could be perceived as a subtle form of emotional manipulation aimed at heightening awareness of cybersecurity. Overall, the reliability of the information appears solid, as it is grounded in official statements and estimates from M&S.