The Co-operative Group has said it is bringing its systems back online “in a safe and controlled manner” following a major cyber attack. The Manchester-based firm said it was now in the “recovery phase” after being forced to shut down some of its systems, which caused significant disruption across its retail chain and led to availability issues across its stores.

The Co-op had also revealed that hackers stole members’ personal data, such as names and contact details.
It said there would be improved availability in its food shops and online from this weekend, while its stock ordering system is now fully online again.

The supermarket said it was also now able to accept all forms of payment, including contactless and chip-and-pin.
A spokesperson for Co-op said: “Following the malicious third-party cyber attack, we took early and decisive action to restrict access to our systems in order to protect our Co-op.

“We are now in the recovery phase and are taking steps to bring our systems gradually back online in a safe and controlled manner.”

Customers shared their experiences of shopping in the barren stores. Lloyd Porter said: "In a Coop yesterday and it was pretty deserted of Customers apart from a big queue for the Post Office with just one window open. The shelves were pretty bare, no milk, but surprisingly did have a full stock of Apple Sauce looking very lonely that I was after".

Another said: "My local branch in Upminster Bridge, on St Mary’s Lane, is like a bomb has hit it this afternoon. Had to run in to get some milk and was amazed at how bad this cyber attack must be hitting them."

Another customer told The Express: “Even during the first days of Covid when they were queueing out the door the actual shelves were never as bare as they are in here. It’s scary to think a cyber attack could have this much of an impact and that a company as big as Co-op doesn’t have any way of managing to keep calm and carry on without worrying scenes like this.”

A third said: "This a great argument for bank branches to reopen with counter staff and the vaults with sufficient funds to give customers cash, and receiving cash from local businesses. Cash is king! If businesses don't rely on Internet banking then they hopefully wouldn't be targeted."

A spokesperson for Co-op said: “Following the malicious third-party cyber attack, we took early and decisive action to restrict access to our systems in order to protect our Co-op.

“We are now in the recovery phase and are taking steps to bring our systems gradually back online in a safe and controlled manner.”