The Story Who's behind the M&S cyber attack?
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May 7, 2025 Join Mark Sellman, Technology Correspondent for The Times, as he delves into the world of cybercrime and the notorious group Scattered Spider. He reveals how this group orchestrated significant attacks on major retailers, including Marks and Spencer, using tactics like social engineering and SIM swapping. Sellers discusses the financial repercussions of these cyberattacks, effective defense strategies for businesses, and the critical importance of cybersecurity in our interconnected world for protecting personal data.
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Who Are Scattered Spider
- Scattered Spider is a loosely connected group of mostly young UK and US men hacking for profit.
- They have multiple aliases and use social engineering rather than high-tech coding skills.
English-Speaking Hackers' Edge
- Scattered Spider stands out because they are English-speaking, unlike many ransomware groups.
- Their language skill lets them use social engineering to break into networks via human interaction.
Social Engineering as Primary Method
- Social engineering is central to Scattered Spider's success, including impersonating IT support.
- They exploit human trust more than technical vulnerabilities, using tricks like SIM swapping.