The Co-op and M&S have both reached out to customers and other groups in the wake of the cyber attacks that hit both businesses in April. The attacks caused widespread disruption for both – and the companies recently reported their learnings to Parliament.
The Co-op says it is taking a “co-operative” approach to hacking by seeking to engage teenagers with cyber skills in cybersecurity, rather than being drawn into hacking. M&S is offering members of its Sparks loyalty club thank you treats and rewards. It is also temporarily boosting its staff and contractor discount.
The Co-op: engaging teenagers in cybersecurity
The Co-op is teaming up with UK social impact business The Hacking Games to identify young cyber talent and channel skills into positive, ethical careers.
It says cybercrime is expected to cost £12tn this year – and that 69% of European teenagers have committed some form of cybercrime or online offence. It is now responding to its own cyber attack with a partnership that will run through its 38 Co-op Academy Schools.
The partnership aims to engage teenagers with cybersecurity careers – at a time when the £13.2bn industry has more than 4.8mn vacant roles around the world. It particularly aims to appeal to unconventional talent – reflecting a tech industry in which more than 50% identify as neurodivergent. The Co-op says autistic people have been found to be seven times more likely to thrive in problem-solving environment such as cybersecurity – but that 71% of autistic adults in the UK are unemployed.
“We know first-hand what it feels like to be targeted by cybercrime,” says Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op group CEO. “The disruption it causes, the pressure it puts on colleagues, and the impact it has on the people and communities we serve. At Co-op, we can’t just stand back and hope it doesn’t happen again – to us or to others.
“Our members expect us to find a cooperative means of tackling the cause, not just the symptom. Our partnership with The Hacking Games lets us reach talented young people early, guide their skills toward protection rather than harm, and open real paths into ethical work. When we expand opportunity we reduce risk, while having a positive impact on society.”
Fergus Hay, fo-founder and CEO of The Hacking Games, says: “There is an incredible amount of cyber talent out there – but many young people don’t see a path into the industry, or simply don’t realise their skills can be used for good. This partnership with Co-op will help unlock that potential. It’s about giving people the opportunity to do something positive, showing that their talents are valued and creating a generation of ethical hackers to make world safer.”
Security Minister Dan Jarvis says: “Cybercrime destroys lives. The criminals carrying out these acts put the public and the economy at risk, and that’s why we’re continuing to take the decisive action necessary to keep UK jobs and businesses safe.
“With just over four in ten businesses reported having experienced any kind of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months, it is vital we inspire the next generation of cyber experts to detect, disrupt, and tackle cybercrime, and to support our economy to grow, as part of the government’s Plan for Change. Combatting this issue will take a whole-of-society approach and we applaud all efforts to ensure that young people are diverted away from illicit behaviour online.”
M&S: return of Sparks loyalty club
M&S is issuing thank yous as its Sparks loyalty club comes fully back online. It says it will give members more than 1.8mn birthday treats, covering customers in May, June and July.
It is also thanking 63k staff by increasing its 20% staff discount to 30% for four days for sales across fashion, home and beauty. At the same time it will extend the 10% discount it offers more than 2,500 contractors to 20%.
Sharry Cramond, M&S director of loyalty, fashion, home and beauty marketing and masterbrand, says: “Over the last three months, our colleagues have demonstrated real commitment and teamwork. At the same time, our customers have shown us fantastic support and loyalty. These extra Sparks rewards are a small gesture to say thank you.”
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