- Co-Op has closed the systems after a cyber incident
- Stores and funerals are operated as usual
- This follows an alleged destructive ransomware attack against M&S
The British supermarket cooperative has had to eliminate parts of its IT systems after discovering a cyber attack, reports The Guardian. It seems that computer pirates are trying to access the systems, and the chain is taking “proactive measures” to defend against the attack, which had a “small impact” on the Back Office and the company’s call center.
This occurs a few days after another supermarket from the United Kingdom, Marks and Spencers, suffered a supposedly linked to the dispersed spatteredspider ransomware, which obtains online orders, payments without contact and click clicks and collect systems.
In a letter sent to the staff, the retailer confirms that he has “taken measures to maintain safe systems”, so there was “the access retired to some systems at the moment.” It is not yet known if there is any link between this incident and the M&S ransomware attack.
Unauthorized access
Retailers tend to work with a large number of third parties for logistics, supplies and software, which makes them an attractive objective for criminals who can use smaller suppliers as access point. The scope of this incident is not yet clear, nor the initial attack vector.
A CO-OP spokesman told Techradar Pro that all stores (including fast trade operations) and funerals are operated as usual.
“We are working hard to reduce any interruption to our services and we want to thank our colleagues, members, partners and suppliers for their understanding during this period. We are not asking our members or clients to do anything different at this time. We will continue to provide updates as necessary.”
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that it is investigating in the M&S cyberactack, and the chaos of the incident has cost the company millions of pounds in time of inactivity and lost sales.
