Co-op has announced that shoppers can expect stock levels on shelves to begin returning to normal this weekend, following a major cyberattack that hit the supermarket. The attack crippled the supermarket’s supply chain, disrupted payments, and compromised sensitive data.
The retailer confirmed that it has begun reactivating its online ordering system for suppliers, marking a key step in recovering from the digital attack that was launched earlier this month. The hacking, claimed by the group DragonForce, led to significant shortages in stores across the UK, especially in remote communities where Co-op is often the only major food retailer.
“The shelves should start to look more familiar to customers by the weekend,” a Co-op spokesperson said, noting that the company is bringing systems “gradually back online in a safe and controlled manner.”
The cyberattack saw criminals infiltrate the Co-op’s IT networks, apparently attempting to extort money.
In response, the company shut down critical systems across its supply chain and logistics operations, a move that severely impacted deliveries and left shoppers facing bare shelves.
The incident also affected payment systems, but Co-op confirmed that all methods, including contactless payments, are now fully operational.
DragonForce has claimed responsibility for the attack and alleged it also targeted Marks and Spencer (M&S) and attempted to breach Harrods.
While M&S has admitted that some customer data was stolen and its online orders remain suspended, Co-op has not confirmed the hacker’s claim that the data of 20 million Co-op members was compromised.
In a message to suppliers, first reported by The Grocer, Co-op asked for continued patience and warned of ongoing “volatility” in order volumes as it works to restore normal operations.
Despite the progress, cybersecurity experts warn that the fallout from the attack could persist.
“The reputational impact of an attack like this is something that can linger,” said Professor Oli Buckley, a cyber security expert at Loughborough University.
“Their work on the recovery helps to soften things slightly, but rebuilding trust is a bit harder,” he told BBC News.
Co-op extended thanks to “colleagues, members, partners and suppliers for their support so far” and reiterated its commitment to strengthening its systems to prevent future attacks.