Chaos in the Aisles: Co-op Promises Restocked Shelves After Cyber-Attack

Customers of Co-op can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the grocery chain announces that its shelves will be fully stocked starting this weekend. The announcement comes after the company dealt with the consequences of a serious cyber-attack that forced them to temporarily shut down their online ordering system and disrupt their supply chain operations.

The group behind the attack, known as DragonForce, not only targeted Co-op but also claimed to be responsible for hacking attempts on other prominent retailers, including Marks and Spencer and Harrods. Following the security breach, Co-op experienced significant disruptions that left stores with empty shelves and fridges, as they scrambled to mitigate the impact of the attack.

In an effort to stabilize operations, Co-op made the decision to gradually bring their systems back online, focusing on safety and control in the process. The company has now resumed all payment methods, including contactless transactions, alleviating concerns for customers looking to shop once more.

Despite the chaos, Co-op issued a statement of gratitude to their “colleagues, members, partners, and suppliers” for their ongoing support during this critical time. However, they also warned suppliers to expect possible volatility in order volumes as they adapt to returning to normal stock levels.

While the exact number of compromised customers remains uncertain, reports suggest that the hackers may have accessed the private details of approximately 20 million Co-op members. With all these developments, Co-op is urging patience among its suppliers as they work diligently to restore regular operations, bringing the much-needed products back to store shelves and online availability.