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Theft

Co-op CEO Reveals 6.5 Million Members Were Affected by Cyberattack

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Co-op's chief executive, Shirine Khoury-Haq, disclosed that all 6.5 million members of the convenience retailer had their data stolen in a severe cyberattack in April, leaving them vulnerable to identity theft and other malicious activities. Khoury-Haq expressed her devastation over the incident and assured members that the company is taking steps to prevent similar attacks in the future, including a partnership with The Hacking Games, a social impact business that helps identify young cyber talent and channel their skills into positive, ethical careers. The partnership aims to engage Gen Z in cybersecurity and inspire them to pursue careers in the field, providing a much-needed deterrent to nefarious activities.

Key Takeaways:

  • 6.5 million Co-op members had their data stolen in the April cyberattack, including their names, addresses, and contact information.
  • The attack was discovered in April, and the Co-op has been working to recover from the incident.
  • The Co-op has partnered with The Hacking Games to help prevent cybercrime by identifying and developing young cyber talent.
  • The Hacking Games aims to inspire Gen Z to pursue careers in cybersecurity and use their skills for positive, ethical purposes.
  • The partnership is part of the Co-op's effort to take a proactive approach to preventing cybercrime and protecting its members.
  • Greg Francis, a former SOCA and NCA cybercrime investigator and prevention officer, welcomed the partnership between the Co-op and The Hacking Games.
  • The partnership is an attempt to address the urgent need for engaging Gen Z in cybersecurity and providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to prevent cybercrime.

Statistics:

  • 6.5 million Co-op members were affected by the cyberattack.
  • The attack was one of several that targeted M&S, Harrods, and other high-profile organizations in May.
  • The Co-op has suffered severe availability issues since the attack in April.
  • M&S has reported that it will take until August to fully restore its online service after being hit by a cyberattack in April.
  • The partnership between the Co-op and The Hacking Games aims to engage Gen Z in cybersecurity and develop a generation of ethical hackers.

Sources:

  • BBC Breakfast
  • The Hacking Games
  • National Crime Agency (NCA)
  • SoCA (Serious Organised Crime Agency)
  • M&S
  • Harrods
  • Co-op

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