Hackers access and expose private data of co-op members: Acknowledging the breach, the co-op expresses regret
Hey there! Buckle up as we delve into the recent scandal sweeping the retail sector - the massive data breach at a beloved cooperative.
The Co-op has copped to a data disaster, admitting that hackers infiltrated their systems and extracted members' personal details like names and contact info. While the fiasco remains a hot potato, the retail pioneer is battling off persistent hack attempts that forced them to shutter parts of their IT infrastructure earlier this week.
This security snafu comes hot on the heels of fellow retail titans like Harrods and Marks & Spencer succumbing to cyber assaults. The latter has continued to navigate a ransomware attack, which has left them unable to handle online orders since the previous Friday.
Investigators from the National Crime Agency (NCA) are digging into these cyber нападения individually, noting a possible rapport between the incidents.
As tech-savvy apologists for the Co-op explained: "Since the ongoing forensic probes, we've discovered the hackers were able to sneak into one of our systems and pilfer data from a considerable number of our current and past members. The pinched data encompassed Co-op Group members' personal details such as names and contact info, yet fortunately, did not dip into members' passwords, bank or credit card details, transactions, or customer-related product or service data."
The Co-op promptly instituted preventive measures, insulating their systems against further intruders while striving to keep disruptions minimal for their esteemed members, customers, colleagues, and partners. The company acknowledges breaching the trust members placed in them when sharing sensitive information and regretfully apologizes for the unfolding predicament.
Service Disruptions: Co-op's Back Office and Call Centre in Jeopardy
The corporate behemoth confirmed that its back office and call centre services have taken a hit, but its extensive network of more than 2,000 grocery stores and 800 funeral parlors across the UK remains operational.
The NCA relayed that they are on top of the burgeoning cyber issue, working side by side with law enforcement partners to bust these incidents wide open. Intriguingly, the cases may be interconnected, so the investigation will continue keeping this potential thread in mind.
The National Cyber Security Centre wasn't thrilled about this turn of events, labeling the attacks a wake-up call for corporates everywhere.
Chief Scientist at the NCSC, Dr Richard Horne, stated: "The recent annoyances hitting the retail sector are a significant cause for concern, raising eyebrows not only at the businesses involved but also among customers and the general public. Rest assured, the NCSC is working closely with affected organizations, striving to grasp the essence of these attacks and providing expert advice to the broader sphere based on the prevailing threat landscape. This kerfuffle serves as a stark reminder for companies to follow NCSC advice to fortify their defenses and prepare for attacks, respond efficiently, and recover effectively."
By Ruby Cline, PA
Enrichment Snippets:- The data breach, which unfolded in April 2025, has been tied to the DragonForce ransomware operation, with speculations suggesting a link between the incidents at Co-op, Harrods, and Marks & Spencer.- The DragonForce ransomware mechanism allows affiliates to leverage their tools for cyber incursions, taking a slice of any ransoms paid.- The sophisticated social engineering techniques employed in the attacks typically involved hackers resetting employee passwords and delving into sensitive databases.- The UK's Information Commissioner's Office, National Crime Agency, and National Cyber Security Centre are peering into these breaches, but their connection to a single threat actor remains unverified.- Co-op has taken preventive measures, such as disabling parts of its IT systems and collaborating with cybersecurity authorities, to detain further invasions. The company has also urged members to protect themselves by updating their passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.
Cybersecurity experts are closely examining the possibility of a connection between recent data breaches at retail giants, such as the Co-op, Harrods, and Marks & Spencer, following the ongoing investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA). The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has labeled these cyber attacks a wake-up call for corporations, recommending that companies strengthen their defenses to prevent future incursions and respond more effectively to attacks.
