Online Services Down, Stores Face Product Shortages

Marks and Spencer's supermarkets are dealing with a cyberattack, reportedly linked to the hacking group known as Scattered Spider. The attack has disrupted the grocer's online services, including click-and-collect and online ordering, and the issues remain unresolved. The company has not provided a timeline for when these services will be restored.

The attack has also affected the company's stock value, with shares falling significantly since the initial reports. According to an unverified report, the attack involved ransomware, a type of malicious software designed to block access to IT systems until a ransom is paid. The report suggests that the hackers, described as a group of young individuals from the UK and US, may demand substantial sums to restore functionality.

The report indicates that the hackers gained access to the retail group's system in February. All of M&S's food stores have been impacted, and the company has engaged cybersecurity firms to investigate and respond to the attack. It is currently unknown whether M&S is being held for ransom, if a ransom has been paid, or the amount involved. Some stores are experiencing product shortages as a result of the cyberattack.

Last week, M&S announced the suspension of online orders due to the cyberattack. The retailer's chief executive confirmed the issue to customers, stating that "minor, temporary changes" would be implemented in stores. While the specific nature of the attack has not been disclosed, the company has taken systems offline as part of its response, leading to limited product availability in some stores.