Co-op boss confirms all 6.5m members had data stolen

The chief executive of Co-op, Shirine Khoury-Haq, has confirmed that all 6. 5 million members of the Co-op had their personal data stolen in a cyber-attack that took place in April. In her first public interview since the incident, she expressed her deep regret and apologized to both members and employees. She explained that while no financial or transaction data was taken, the hackers did steal names, addresses, and contact information. This has caused a lot of concern among members, as their private details are now at risk. The cyber-attack was part of a larger wave of attacks that also affected other major retailers like M&S. Four people have been arrested in connection with these attacks, including a 17-year-old and a 19-year-old from the West Midlands, a 19-year-old from London, and a 20-year-old from Staffordshire. They were arrested on suspicion of blackmail, money laundering, and other crimes related to computer misuse and organized crime. The police have seized electronic devices from their homes and are continuing their investigation.

Shirine Khoury-Haq described how difficult the situation was for her and her team. She said she met with the IT staff while they were trying to stop the hackers, and she will never forget the stress and worry on their faces. Although the hackers were eventually removed from the Co-op’s systems, the damage had already been done. The company was able to track the hackers’ actions and provide this information to the authorities. However, Khoury-Haq admitted that much of the stolen information is probably already out there, and she understands why members are worried. The Co-op operates on a membership model, where members receive a share of the profits, so protecting their data is very important. Khoury-Haq said the attack felt personal because it hurt both the members and the customers.

In response to the attack, the Co-op has started working with a cyber-security recruitment company called The Hacking Games. This company helps young people with computer skills find legal and positive careers in cyber-security, instead of turning to crime. The Co-op is planning a pilot program with its Academies Trust, which runs 38 schools in England, to help students learn about cyber-security and ethical hacking. The company is also working hard to restore its computer systems and make them more secure. The attack has made the Co-op and other companies realize how important it is to protect personal data and invest in strong cyber-security measures. The police are still investigating, and the Co-op is doing everything it can to support its members and prevent future attacks.

The cyber-attacks on the Co-op and other retailers have shown how vulnerable companies can be to hackers. Even though the Co-op acted quickly to remove the hackers and prevent even worse damage, the loss of personal data has had a big impact on members and employees. The company is now focused on rebuilding trust and making sure its systems are as safe as possible. This incident has also highlighted the need for more education and training in cyber-security, both for companies and for young people who might be tempted to use their skills for the wrong reasons. The Co-op hopes that by working with organizations like The Hacking Games, it can help create a safer online environment for everyone.