|
|
|
|
August 21, 2025
|
Hackers Infiltrate Alleged North Korean Operative’s Computer, Leak Evidence of...
|
|
August 21, 2025
|
Ecosia Proposes Unusual Stewardship Model for Google Chrome
|
|
August 21, 2025
|
OpenAI Presses Meta for Evidence on Musk’s $97 Billion Takeover Bid
|
|
August 15, 2025
|
ChatGPT Mobile App Surpasses $2 Billion in Consumer Spending, Dominating Rivals
|
|
|
UK Authorities Arrest Four in Retail Hacking Spree Targeting Marks & Spencer, Harrods, and Co-op
July 10, 2025
British authorities have arrested four individuals believed to be behind a string of cyberattacks on some of the UK’s most iconic retailers, including Marks & Spencer, Harrods, and the Co-op.
On Thursday, the National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed the arrests of a 20-year-old woman, two 19-year-old men, and a 17-year-old youth. The suspects were detained across multiple locations in the UK and are under investigation for hacking, blackmail, money laundering, and participation in an organized crime group. Their identities have not been publicly disclosed.
The arrests are tied to a wave of attacks that began in April, when cybercriminals infiltrated the systems of the Co-op, later extending their campaign to Marks & Spencer and Harrods. The group responsible is believed to be affiliated with Scattered Spider, a notorious hacking collective known for social engineering tactics—such as impersonating company employees to manipulate call centers and help desks into granting access to internal systems.
Once inside, the hackers allegedly opened the door for the ransomware gang DragonForce, enabling them to deploy file-encrypting malware within Marks & Spencer’s network. While Marks & Spencer fell victim to the attack, the Co-op managed to narrowly avoid ransomware deployment by taking its systems offline preemptively. Harrods also confirmed an attempted intrusion but said it successfully thwarted the cyberattack.
The NCA described the investigation as ongoing and reiterated the growing threat posed by sophisticated, socially engineered cyberattacks on businesses. The agency emphasized the importance of strong internal security practices, particularly as hackers increasingly exploit human error and frontline customer support as weak points.
The recent arrests underscore a broader crackdown on cybercrime in the UK and serve as a warning to organizations that social engineering remains one of the most dangerous—and effective—tools in a hacker’s arsenal.
|
|
|
Sign Up to
Our Newsletter!
Get the latest news in tech.
|
|
|
