UK retailer Co-op takes network offline after detecting an attempted cyber attack

UK-based retail chain Co-op said it has taken portions of its internal network offline after detecting an attempted network intrusion that affected its back office operations and call centre services.

 

Supermarket chain Co-op is known for its food retail business and is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives. Co-op ranks among the top five food retailers in the UK, operating nearly 2,400 stores nationwide. Through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited, the retailer also supplies products to over 6,000 stores, including those operated by independent co-operative societies.

 

Recently, a Co-op spokesperson told BleepingComputer that the company was targeted by an attempted network intrusion where an unauthorised third party tried to breach the network with malicious intent.

 

In a statement shared with the media, a Co-op spokesperson said, “We have recently experienced attempts to gain unauthorised access to some of our systems. As a result, we have taken proactive steps to keep our systems safe, which has resulted in a small impact on some of our back office and call center services.”

 

The company spokesperson added that while the attempted network intrusion caused some disruption to its services, Co-op stores, its quick commerce operations, and funeral homes are operating as usual.

 

Co-op is working with relevant law enforcement authorities, including the National Cyber Security Centre, to investigate the incident.

 

“We are not asking our members or customers to do anything differently at this point. We will continue to provide updates as necessary,” the spokesperson added.

 

At the time of publishing, no known hacker group claimed responsibility for the data security incident on Co-op. The retailer also did not share details on the nature of the attack, or whether any data was compromised.