July 16th 2025
The UK retailers targeted in the recent bout of cyberattacks on the sector are still reeling from the aftereffects, with revenues, reputation and employee welfare all heavily compromised.
Only today, the Chief Executive of Co-op Shirine Khoury-Haq has confirmed in an interview with BBC Breakfast that all 6.5 million of its members had their data stolen in the April attack.
“I’m devastated that information was taken. I’m also devastated by the impact that it took on our colleagues as well as they tried to contain all of this,” Ms Khoury-Haq said in her first public interview since the hack. “There was no financial data, no transaction data but it was names and addresses and contact information that was lost,” she added.
To members, the consequences of the data theft could result in theft or identity fraud … both very real threats in such situations. You could also receive emails, text messages or phone calls from fraudsters claiming that they represent Co-op or a third-party company claiming damages on your behalf.
If you are a member of the Co-op, we strongly encourage you to take some simple steps NOW in the aftermath of the theft of your details.
Protect yourself – what to do
- Change the password for your Co-op account to a strong and secure new one which is different from those used on any other accounts. Click here for advice on creating and protecting passwords. Also, use two-factor authentication (sometimes called two-step verification) which provide an additional security layer.
- Be vigilant for unexpected approaches from anybody claiming to represent Co-op or offering services in relation to the recent cyberattack. Click here for more information on impersonation fraud.
