Cybersecurity experts have warned that the UK is facing a persistent wave of cyber attacks, calling it a “fraud pandemic” that shows no signs of slowing. High-profile hacks have already crippled major retailers including Co-op, Marks & Spencer, and Harrods, exposing millions of customer records and causing significant financial damage.
Retail Sector Under Siege
Experts say attackers have shifted focus to retail, targeting customer data and exploiting outdated security protocols. CEO of Skillcast, noted these attacks are not just data breaches but “operational nightmares” causing long-term financial and reputational fallout.
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The CEO also highlighted a critical weakness: staff failing basic security steps. A recent Skillcast report found that many professionals lack adequate cyber hygiene, leaving systems exposed.
Copycat Attacks on the Rise
A Principal Cyber Technologist at data protection firm tmc3, said hackers are “sensing blood in the water”. He explained that successful attacks in the retail sector have emboldened cybercriminals to launch copycat operations across similar businesses.
“These aren’t highly advanced attacks,” he said. “It’s more about exploiting a sector with soft defences and valuable data.”
He pointed to a common vulnerability: many retailers bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA) to streamline customer logins. This trade-off between security and convenience has opened the door for attackers.
He also stressed the need for a cultural shift in corporate cybersecurity. “Organizations must embed security awareness across all levels,” he said.
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Warnings of Broader Infrastructure Risk
Security leaders are also raising concerns about a potential cyberattack on critical infrastructure. The techniques used in recent breaches identity theft, ransomware, and lateral movement could easily be adapted to disrupt hospitals, utilities, or government systems.
Pencer Starkey, an executive at SonicWall, warned that a catastrophic event is not just possible but likely if systemic cyber readiness isn’t improved. “We haven’t seen a large-scale ‘black swan’ event in the UK yet,” he said. “But the trajectory makes it clear it’s a matter of when, not if.”
About the author – Ayush Chaurasia is a postgraduate student passionate about cybersecurity, threat hunting, and global affairs. He explores the intersection of technology, psychology, national security, and geopolitics through insightful writing