Cyber Attack Arrests
Four people were arrested by the police who examined cyber attacks aimed at M&S, Co-OP, and Harrods. A 20-year-old woman and two men, aged 19 and another man aged 17, were arrested in London and West Midlands as part of an Operation National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.
Arrest Details
They were arrested in their homes on suspicion of computer abuse, blackmail, money laundering, and participation in the activities of a group for organized crime. Electronic devices have been confiscated from the suspects and are currently being analyzed by forensic experts.
Impact on Retailers
M&S stopped online orders and shelves were empty in shops after the cyber attack on the retailer at the beginning of this year. The initial hack in the retailer’s systems took place in April with a third-party "sophisticated identity change". The disorder is expected to continue with the retailer until the end of this month. The Co-operative and Harrods were also targeted by hackers.
Investigation
Paul Foster, head of the NCA National Cybercrime Unit, described the arrests as a "significant step" in the investigation, which remains "one of the highest priorities of the agency". The National Crime Agency is interested in "signaling" future victims the "importance of seeking support and engaging with law enforcement authorities". The NCA also thanks M&S, Co-OP, and Harrods for their support in their investigation.
Support and Next Steps
The arrests that took place early Thursday morning were supported by officers from the unit of regional organized crime in West Midlands and the East Midlands’ Special Operations Unit. The chairman of M&S informed MPs that the hack was "traumatic" and like an "out-of-body experience". The retailer estimates that the cyber attack will cost up to £300 million this year.
Aftermath
Days after M&S was attacked, Co-op was targeted and forced to close some internal systems. Harrods was then hacked and also had to close some systems, although its website and business continued to operate. A M&S spokesman said: "We welcome this development and thank the NCA for their hard work on this incident."
