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UPDATES COME AFTER SHOPPERS NOTICED THE SITE WAS DOWN OVERNIGHT 08:35, 22 May 2025 Marks & Spencer has confirmed that it has reopened its website after going down overnight. The update
comes after the retailer took down its website to carry out updates, with shoppers being greeted with the message: “Sorry you can’t browse the site currently. We’re making some updates and
will be back soon.” M&S confirmed Thursday morning that the site was back up and running, but only for browsing with the store pausing all online orders. The group said: “Our website is
open for browsing. “As we work to get things back to normal for our customers we are doing some overnight updates.” M&S has not been taking online orders on its website or app since the
Easter weekend following the store being hit by a cyber attack. Chief executive Stuart Machin has since revealed that disruption faced by the store, including pausing online orders, may last
until July. The retail group added on Wednesday that “human error” had caused the attack, which is set to cost the firm around £300 million. Robert Cottrill, technology director at digital
firm ANS, said it was “vital” that M&S take its time to ensure they get their system recovery right, to ensure their security and prevent future incidents occurring. He said:
"M&S appears to be taking the appropriate and necessary steps following the cyber attack, with a likely focus on restoring core systems and recovering critical data,” he told the PA
news agency. "The extended disruption may well be a result of attackers having targeted key infrastructure, which takes time to fully assess, secure and restore. "Given the scale
and complexity of M&S’s globally connected operations, the recovery process is understandably meticulous, with multiple interconnected systems requiring scrutiny. "It’s essential
that M&S prioritises a secure and complete recovery over a rapid one. "Rushing to bring systems back online without full assurance of their integrity could risk further compromise.
Article continues below "Ensuring robust security at every layer before resumption is not just sensible – it’s vital."