Scattered Spider Cyberattack Cripples M&S, Co-op: DragonForce Ransomware Causes Weeks-Long Disruption

Weeks after a significant cyberattack disrupted operations at major British retailers, companies like Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Co-op are still struggling to restore full functionality. Despite public reassurances, the scope of the attack is proving more serious than initially acknowledged. M&S CEO Stuart Machin recently confirmed that personal customer data had been accessed, prompting the company to require password resets for online accounts. Online orders on the M&S website remain suspended weeks after the breach, and no clear timeline has been offered for full recovery. 

The attack first became public on April 25 when M&S halted its online operations due to a cyber intrusion. Within days, Co-op revealed it had also been targeted in an attempted hack, which disrupted several services. Harrods, another luxury retailer, was also reportedly affected during this wave of cyberattacks. While M&S is still unable to process online sales, Co-op has only just resumed stocking its shelves, and both companies remain silent about when operations might return to normal.

Government officials have weighed in on the seriousness of the incident. 

Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden called the attack a “wake-up call” for British businesses, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity protocols. Financial losses have been steep. M&S is reportedly losing £3.5 million per day while its website remains offline, and its stock has dropped by an estimated half a billion pounds in marke

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