UK Data Breaches: What M&S and Co-op Hacks Mean
by Greg Johnson, Owner / Developer
Top tip
Read our deep dive technical analysis into what happened and how it could have been prevented.
Cyberattacks are no longer a distant threat — they’re happening right here in the UK. This week, M&S and the Co-op became the latest high-profile victims of a data breach, exposing vulnerabilities that every business, big or small, must take seriously.
At The Web People, we work with small and medium-sized businesses across St Helens, Liverpool, and beyond — and cybersecurity is no longer optional. It’s foundational.
What Happened?
The breach, which affected thousands of UK employees, was traced back to a third-party payroll system used by major retailers like M&S and the Co-op. Names, addresses, national insurance numbers, and bank details were reportedly compromised. For small businesses, it’s a wake-up call: if these giants can be breached, anyone can.
How We Help Protect Your Business
We partner with leading cybersecurity providers through PAX8 to offer managed protection tailored to growing businesses. Whether you’re a sole trader or scaling up, our stack includes:
- SentinelOne – AI-driven endpoint protection to detect and shut down threats in real-time.
- Bitdefender – Powerful antivirus and ransomware protection.
- Microsoft Defender for Business – Built-in defense for your Microsoft 365 environment.
- CrowdStrike Falcon – Cloud-native endpoint protection with threat intelligence.
- Ironscales – Email security to prevent phishing, spoofing, and impersonation attacks.
- Breach Secure Now – Security awareness training for your team, so your weakest link doesn’t become your biggest risk.
Why This Matters for Small Businesses
Cybercrime doesn’t just target big brands. SMEs are increasingly targeted because they’re often less protected. A breach can lead to fines, loss of customer trust, and downtime you can’t afford.
Ready to Take Action?
Don’t wait for a breach to take cybersecurity seriously. We can assess your risks, recommend the right tools, and help you implement enterprise-grade protection without the enterprise price tag.
Want to chat about securing your business?
Let’s talk. No pressure — just honest advice and practical solutions to help you stay safe.