Harrods becomes latest retailer struck by cyber attack attempts

The attack against Harrods, follows similar cyberattacks against M&S and The Co-op, as ITV News’ Business Editor Joel Hills reports.

Harrods has become the latest retailer to be targeted by cyber attacks, which have struck Marks & Spencer and The Co-op this week.

The luxury department store revealed it has had to take action against similar hacking attempts in recent days.

In a statement shared with ITV News, Harrods said: “We recently experienced attempts to gain unauthorised access to some of our systems.

“Our seasoned IT security team immediately took proactive steps to keep systems safe, and as a result, we have restricted internet access at our sites today.

“Currently, all sites including our Knightsbridge store, H beauty stores and airport stores remain open to welcome customers.

“Customers can also continue to shop via harrods.com.

“We are not asking our customers to do anything differently at this point, and we will continue to provide updates as necessary.”

M&S also continues to experience disruption to online orders for a seventh consecutive day.

The retailer said some systems have been taken offline after a breach, believed to be a ransomware attack.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) called the incidents a “wake-up call”.

A statement from the organisation said: “The NCSC continues to work closely with organisations that have reported incidents to us to fully understand the nature of these attacks and to provide expert advice to the wider sector based on the threat picture.”

ITV News learnt on Thursday that M&S stores are facing issues, including loyalty cards, hand-held scanners used by employees and security apps used by the store, all not working.

M&S also confirmed on Thursday that it has pulled all online job adverts from its website as tech experts seek to resolve problems on its platforms.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Wednesday that it is investigating.

In a separate incident, The Co-op shut off parts of its IT systems on Wednesday after an attempted hack.

The company told staff they can no longer access the company’s IT system remotely from home, following an attempted hack at the weekend. It has shut down some of its back office and call centre services, but that all of its 2,000 stores and 800 funeral homes are “trading as normal”.

The chair of the Business and Trade Select Committee is writing to the bosses of Marks and Spencer and The Co-op, to express concern about cyberattacks – with MPs seeking reassurance companies involved are effectively managing incidents.