Marks & Spencer Confirms Personal Data Breach: Customers’ Information Stolen in Major Hack
In recent news, U.K. retail giant Marks & Spencer has confirmed a significant data breach, revealing that hackers accessed personal information of its customers. This cyberattack, which occurred last month, has raised concerns regarding data security in the retail sector.
Details of the Cyberattack on Marks & Spencer
In a statement released to London’s stock exchange, Marks & Spencer disclosed that an unspecified amount of customer information was compromised during the incident. According to a report by the BBC, the stolen data includes:
- Customer names
- Dates of birth
- Home addresses
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Household information
- Online order histories
Actions Taken by Marks & Spencer
In response to the breach, Marks & Spencer has initiated a password reset for its online accounts to enhance customer security. However, the company continues to face significant disruptions across its operations:
- Some grocery shelves remain empty due to operational challenges.
- The online ordering system is currently offline.
Impact on Customers and Retail Sector
While Marks & Spencer has not disclosed the exact number of affected individuals, the retailer had approximately 9.4 million online customers as of March 30, 2024, according to its latest annual report. A spokesperson for the company, Alicia Sanctuary, directed inquiries to the official statement without providing further details.
Other Retailers Targeted
Marks & Spencer is not alone in this cyber crisis. The DragonForce gang has claimed responsibility for attacks on several U.K. retailers, including the Co-op and Harrods. Initially, the Co-op reported no evidence of data theft but later acknowledged that customer data was indeed compromised. The stolen information included:
- Customer names
- Dates of birth
- Home and email addresses
- Phone numbers
Recent reports indicate that DragonForce claims to possess the private information of around 20 million individuals who participated in the Co-op’s membership program.
Government Response and Cybersecurity Measures
The U.K. National Cyber Security Centre has stated that it is collaborating with the affected retailers and law enforcement agencies to investigate the breaches and improve cybersecurity measures within the retail sector.
As concerns grow over data privacy, consumers are advised to remain vigilant and monitor their accounts for any suspicious activity. For more information on protecting your personal data, visit FTC – How to Keep Your Personal Information Secure.
