A new academic study by Jay Barach, IEEE senior member and expert technologist, has examined how cloud-based HR systems could better withstand rising ransomware threats.
The company said the incident formed part of a wider social engineering campaign affecting “many large organisations,” in which attackers posed as HR or IT staff.
As millions of workers prepare to head off on their summer holidays, cybersecurity experts at FLR Spectron have highlighted the risks of staying connected to work.
According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, 43% of UK businesses and 30% of charities reported experiencing a cyber breach or attack in the past 12 months.
Recognising the impact such attacks have on working people as they go about their daily lives, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will highlight moves to “bolster our national defences” including through the Cyber Security Bill.
Jessica Bass, partner at Oury Clark Solicitors, said: "It is vital that M&S maintains clear and open communication with all employees during this time, so they understand what is happening and why these steps are necessary."
The UK Ministry of Defence has been hit by a cyberattack, allegedly by the Chinese state, compromising personal data of service personnel. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will outline protective measures in response to the breach.