Marks & Spencer’s website experienced a complete outage, leaving customers unable to browse or place orders for several hours. This incident comes as the retailer continues to recover from a recent cyber-attack that has already disrupted online services for weeks.
Key Takeaways
- M&S website went down completely for several hours.
- The outage is part of ongoing issues following a cyber-attack.
- Personal customer data may have been compromised, but payment details remain secure.
- The website is now back online after overnight updates.
Background of the Cyber-Attack
The cyber-attack on Marks & Spencer occurred over the Easter weekend, initially affecting their click-and-collect services and contactless payments. Following the attack, the retailer suspended all online orders to manage the situation effectively.
M&S chief executive Stuart Machin stated, "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."
Details of the Outage
On Wednesday evening, users attempting to access the M&S website were met with a message stating, "Sorry you can’t browse the site currently. We’re making some updates and will be back soon." This left many customers frustrated, especially those who rely on online shopping.
However, by Thursday morning, M&S announced that the website was back online after implementing necessary updates overnight. The company reassured customers that they were working diligently to restore normal operations.
Data Security Concerns
Following the cyber-attack, M&S confirmed that some personal customer data had been stolen. This data could include:
- Telephone numbers
- Home addresses
- Dates of birth
Despite these concerns, M&S clarified that no usable payment or card details, nor any account passwords, were compromised. However, online order histories may have been affected, raising concerns among customers about the security of their information.
Ongoing Investigation
The police are currently investigating the incident, focusing on a group of hackers known as Scattered Spider. This group is believed to be responsible for similar attacks on other retailers, including the Co-op and Harrods, but M&S has reportedly suffered the most significant impact.
Conclusion
As Marks & Spencer works to recover from this cyber-attack and restore full functionality to its online services, customers are urged to remain vigilant regarding their personal data. The recent outage serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that retailers face in the digital age, and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.
M&S has committed to keeping customers informed as they navigate these challenges and work towards a more secure online shopping experience.
