M&S Battles Cyber Attack but Keeps Stores Open
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has revealed it’s been fighting a cyber incident over the past few days. The retail giant made some quick operational tweaks across its UK stores but assured shoppers that stores, website, and app remain up and running — with only minor hiccups.
CEO Stuart Machin Speaks Out
In a heartfelt letter, M&S Chief Executive Stuart Machin addressed customers directly. He explained the company’s swift action to protect customer data and keep the business humming.
“To protect you and the business, it was necessary to temporarily make some small changes to our store operations, and I am sincerely sorry if you experienced any inconvenience,” Machin said.
While M&S didn’t reveal specifics about the cyberattack, they warned that Click and Collect orders might face slight delays. Teams are working flat out to fix the glitches.
Crucially, Machin told customers there’s no need to do anything. The company promises to update shoppers if anything major crops up.
“We know how much our customers trust M&S, and that trust is incredibly precious to us. We have been working hard with the best experts to manage this,” Machin added.
Experts Applaud M&S Response Amid Rising Retail Cyber Threats
Cybersecurity pros have praised M&S’s quick, transparent communication during a time when retail cyberattacks are on the rise across the UK.
M&S has not disclosed if any personal data was affected or whether ransomware or other cyber hacks were involved. Shoppers looking for updates are urged to keep an eye on official M&S channels.
M&S Thanks Staff and Customers for Support
The retailer gave a shout-out to its staff and external partners for their rapid response. It also thanked loyal customers for their patience during the disruption.
This incident highlights the growing pressure on UK retailers to beef up cybersecurity amid increasing digital risks and threats targeting customer systems.