The recent cyber-attack on retail giants Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods has sent shockwaves through the business world, and it's prompting urgent questions for Teddington's own business community.

According to Coversure Teddington, a leading local insurance broker, the incident is a stark reminder that no business, large or small, is immune to digital threats.

Coversure Teddington's Director, Mel Franke, explains what happened, saying: "In early May 2025, M&S confirmed a cyber-attack that compromised some customer personal data, including names, addresses, and order histories.

"While payment information and passwords were not affected, the breach disrupted online operations, halting orders since April 25.

"The company is working with cybersecurity experts and authorities to restore services.

M&S confirmed a cyber-attack earlier this month (Credit: Nub News)

"The Co-op experienced disruptions in up to 200 of its UK stores due to contactless payment issues following a cyber-attack.

"Hackers accessed names and contact details of an undisclosed number of members, though passwords and financial details were unaffected.

"Harrods reported restricting internet access following an attempted cyber breach, highlighting the ongoing threats faced by even the most established retailers."

Franke added: "These incidents highlight the reality that cyber threats are a risk for all sizes of businesses. Teddington's diverse business community, from independent retailers and cafés to consultants and tech startups, is equally at risk.

"Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in third-party services, as seen in these attacks. Local businesses relying on cloud platforms, online booking systems, or outsourced services must recognise the potential risks and take proactive measures to safeguard their operations."

Coversure Teddington emphasises the importance of cyber insurance as a critical component of business risk management.

Coversure is an independent insurance broker based on Stanley Road in Teddington (Credit: Coversure)

Franke said: "Cyber-attacks can have devastating effects on businesses, regardless of size. Cyber insurance provides essential coverage for data breaches, system restoration, legal fees, and more, enabling businesses to recover swiftly."

Coversure Teddington recommends the following actions for local businesses:

·       Identify potential vulnerabilities in your digital infrastructure.

·       Ensure your policy includes comprehensive cyber protection.

·       Implement training to recognise and prevent cyber threats.

·       Keep software and security measures current.

·       Maintain secure backups to minimise data loss in case of an attack."

Franke and the Coversure Teddington team recently hosted an incredibly important Cybersecurity event aimed at helping the local community of businesses stay ahead of cyber threats.

Joined by SCG (a leading provider of cloud, telecoms, mobile and IoT solutions &services), the Coversure Teddington team spent the morning providing business owners with a comprehensive overview of common cybersecurity threats, including phishing attacks, malware and ransomware.

A key focus of the event was a discussion on Cyber Insurance, explaining how getting the right coverage can help businesses mitigate any financial losses they may incur from cyber incidents.

If you missed the event, and would like some advice on whether your cyber insurance is enough if your business were to come under attack, reach out to Franke and the Coversure Teddington on its website for support.

You can also call the team at 0208 131 4677.

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