Recent cyberattacks targeting major UK retailers, including M&S and the Co-op, have left many consumers concerned about the safety of their personal information. While both companies confirmed that no payment or card details were compromised, customer names and contact details were accessed—reminding us all that even basic information in the wrong hands can be misused.
If you’ve shopped with one of these retailers recently or are just looking to boost your online security, here’s what you can do:
Change your password
Start by updating your passwords, especially for any accounts linked to the affected retailers. If you’ve reused the same password across different platforms (for example, using the same login for online shopping and your email), change those too. A strong password includes a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols—and avoid obvious choices like Password123.
Set up multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication (also called two-factor authentication) adds an extra step to the login process—like entering a code sent to your mobile after typing your password. It’s a simple but powerful way to stop hackers, even if they’ve stolen your login details.
A bonus tip: if you receive a login code that you didn’t request, it could be a sign someone else is trying to access your account. Take it seriously and change your password immediately.
Watch out for phishing scams
In the wake of high-profile breaches, phishing scams often spike. These emails might look like they come from a trusted brand but are designed to steal your personal or financial information.
Not sure if an email is real?
- Don’t click on any links or download attachments.
- Check the sender’s email address—it may be slightly misspelled or unfamiliar.
- Hover over links to preview where they lead.
- Keep your antivirus software up to date to catch threats early.
If someone claiming to be from your bank or a retailer contacts you out of the blue, never share personal details straight away. Hang up and call the company directly using a number you trust.
Talk, report and get support
If something doesn’t feel right—pause. Don’t feel pressured to act quickly, especially if someone’s asking for sensitive info. Talk to a friend, family member, or even your bank or insurer if you’re unsure.
Anyone can be caught out by a scam, so don’t feel embarrassed. Reporting it can help others stay safe, so forward suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk.
And remember, if you want to speak to someone face-to-face, our team of insurance advisors is here to help. Drop into your local Howden branch or give us a call—we’re always happy to offer advice and peace of mind.
Sources: Which?, This Is Money, The Independent, Sky News
You could also read:
- How to spot a deepfake scam
- Scammed by a robot: AI scams on the rise
- Why do scams work? | Howden Insurance
This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.