Who's behind the M&S cyber attack?

Who's behind the M&S cyber attack?

Author: The Times May 8, 2025 Duration: 26:57

How do hackers take down a high street staple? What started as a contactless payment outage at Marks and Spencer, quickly became the retail fortnight from hell, as cyber attacks have brought brands to a crashing halt in online trading over the last two weeks. So who is behind it, and what are their methods? And more importantly, how do you guard yourself in an evermore online world?

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Guest: Mark Sellman, Technology Correspondent, The Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Producer: Rosie Stopher.


Further reading: Who are Scattered Spider hackers linked to the M&S cyberattack?

M&S and Co-op cyberattackers ‘tricked IT into resetting passwords’

M&S staff share war stories of ‘toughest’ week after cyberattack


Clips: Sky News, BBC, ITV


Photo: The Times


Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com  

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Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
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