The Co-operative Group has shut down parts of its IT systems following an attempted unauthorised access, disrupting operations across its UK food shops and services. The move underscores rising cyber threats to the retail sector.
The Co-operative Group has been compelled to shut down parts of its IT network following an attempted cyberattack, affecting its operations. The organisation, which operates over 2,000 food shops across the United Kingdom as well as providing insurance and funeral services, informed staff via a letter that it had taken precautionary measures to protect its systems.
In the communication, the Co-op acknowledged an attempt by a hacker to gain "unauthorised access" to its IT infrastructure. As a security measure, it stated that it had "pre-emptively withdrawn access to some systems" to safeguard against any potential breach.
According to a report by The Guardian, this enforced IT shutdown resulted in the closure of virtual desktops used by staff, disrupting several operational functions such as updating stock levels. The incident, occurring amid a series of cyber threats targeting retail businesses, recalls a similar attack recently experienced by Marks & Spencer. That attack, disclosed publicly last week, also caused significant disruptions, including preventing customers from placing online orders and leaving some food stores with shortages on their shelves.
The Co-op's actions underline the increasing cybersecurity challenges faced by large retail and service providers in the UK. While the organisation has not disclosed further technical specifics about the attack or identified the perpetrators, the proactive response highlights the importance placed on preventing unauthorised access and minimising operational impact.
The Times is reporting on this development as part of ongoing coverage of cyber threats affecting the retail sector.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative reports recent events involving a cyberattack attempt on The Co-operative Group's IT systems, which suggests it is current and not recycled news. There is no indication that it refers to outdated information or past events.
Quotes check
Score:
5
Notes:
The narrative does not include direct quotes, making it difficult to verify original sources or quotes. However, the information presented does not appear to be a direct repurposing of previous statements.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Times, a well-known and reputable publication. It also references another trusted source, The Guardian.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims regarding a cyberattack attempt and IT shutdown are plausible given the current context of increased cyber threats in the retail sector. The actions taken by The Co-operative Group align with common practices for preventing breaches.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is likely accurate based on its source reliability and plausibility. It reports recent events without recycled information and lacks suspicious quotes. Overall, it presents a coherent and trustworthy account.
