(qlmbusinessnews.com . Fri 2nd May, 2025) London, UK —
Cybersecurity Alert: Harrods Becomes Latest Retail Victim
Luxury department store Harrods has revealed it is the most recent retailer to face a cyber attack, prompting the firm to restrict internet access across its sites as a precaution. The move follows similar incidents at the Co-op, which shut down parts of its IT network this week, and Marks & Spencer, whose systems remain crippled and have cost the retailer millions in lost sales.
Harrods confirmed that its iconic Knightsbridge store, airport boutiques and H Beauty outlets are all open as normal, and its online shop continues to trade. A spokesperson emphasised that customers need not change their shopping habits. “Our dedicated IT security team acted swiftly to secure our systems,” the statement read. “We have limited internet connectivity as a precaution and are monitoring the situation closely.”
Richard Horne, Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), warned that these events should act as a “wake-up call” for major retailers. The NCSC is collaborating with all affected companies to understand the nature of the breaches and to bolster defences across the sector.
Cybersecurity experts note that retailers are high-value targets due to the volume of customer data they hold and the potential impact of disruption. Cody Barrow, former head of cyber operations at the US National Security Agency, now leading EclecticIQ, said the spate of attacks underscores the “mounting vulnerability” of the retail industry. He urged consumers to remain vigilant by updating passwords, monitoring financial statements and watching for phishing attempts.
Earlier this month, Marks & Spencer acknowledged a ransomware attack that has halted online order fulfilment and left some store shelves empty, while the Co-op confirmed it shut down key systems in response to unauthorised access attempts. The Co-op has also introduced stricter remote-working protocols, requiring staff to keep cameras on and verify meeting participants, amid fears hackers could infiltrate video calls.
It remains unclear whether these incidents are linked. Toby Lewis, Head of Threat Analysis at Darktrace, suggested that a common supplier or shared technology platform could be the entry point for attackers—or that the high-profile M&S breach prompted others to detect and act on threats they previously overlooked. He stressed the growing challenge that large organisations face in securing complex supply chains against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Parliament’s Business and Trade Committee chair, Liam Byrne, has written to M&S’s Chief Executive seeking details of the company’s cybersecurity measures and compliance with NCSC guidance. As investigations continue, the retail sector is bracing for further attacks while reinforcing defences to protect consumers and operations alike.
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