Harrods has become the latest major retailer in the UK to be targeted by a cyber attack, joining a growing list of high street names fending off digital threats.
The luxury department store confirmed on Thursday that it had experienced “unauthorised access attempts” on its systems. As a precautionary measure, Harrods restricted internet access across its sites to safeguard operations.
Despite the disruption, all physical stores, including its flagship Knightsbridge location, H Beauty outlets, and airport branches, remain open. Online shopping will also continue without interruption.
While the company has not disclosed the scale or source of the attempted breach, it assured customers that there is currently no need to change their behaviour.
The incident comes amid a surge in cyber attacks targeting UK retailers. Just 24 hours earlier, the Co-op temporarily shut down parts of its IT infrastructure in response to suspicious activity.
Marks & Spencer is still recovering from a separate cyber attack that has reportedly cost the business millions in lost revenue.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a warning to the sector, calling recent events a “wake-up call” for retail.
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The agency is now working closely with affected companies to understand the nature of the attacks and share intelligence across the industry.
Cody Barrow, former head of cyber operations at the US National Security Agency and now CEO of EclecticIQ, said the attacks highlight how exposed retailers have become.
The retail sector is an attractive target, he said. They hold vast amounts of customer data, and a single disruption can damage trust and profitability in equal measure.
He also advised the public to stay vigilant in light of the breaches: update passwords, keep an eye on bank statements, and be cautious of scam messages or phishing attempts.
While Harrods has acted swiftly to contain the threat, the wider trend suggests that cyber resilience is now an urgent priority for UK retailers, especially as attackers grow more sophisticated and opportunistic.
