Hackers Strike Again: Co-op Faces Delivery Chaos and Data Breach After Cyber Attack
A major cyber attack has disrupted operations at Co-op, leading to empty shelves and delivery delays across several stores. While stores remain open and trading, many were limited to accepting cash payments early in the week—a situation that has now improved. The attack, which the company acknowledged, has resulted in the theft of significant amounts of customer data, causing widespread concern. A Co-op spokesperson explained that the attack involved sustained malicious attempts by hackers to infiltrate their systems, prompting the company to work tirelessly to restore normal operations.
Some stores report limited product availability, prompting an apology from Co-op for the inconvenience caused to its members and customers. Cyber criminals claim to have the private information of 20 million individuals who registered with Co-op’s membership scheme; however, the company has not confirmed this figure. In a prior announcement in April, Co-op reported a 22% growth in active membership, reaching 6.2 million members. The firm reassured customers that while their personal data such as names, contact details, and dates of birth may have been compromised, bank details, transaction data, and passwords remain secure.
Shirine Khoury-Haq, the chief executive of the Co-operative Group, issued a formal apology, expressing concern for affected customers and emphasizing the firm’s commitment to data protection. This incident comes on the heels of similar cyber threats affecting other major retailers, including Marks and Spencer, which recently suspended online orders following a ransomware attack. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has raised alarms over the uptick in cyber attacks against UK retailers, with criminals reportedly impersonating IT help desks to gain access to corporate systems.
The ongoing situation at Co-op highlights the critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s retail landscape and the significant impact such attacks can have on day-to-day operations.