Marks & Spencer Data Breach: What You Need to Know and How to Stay Safe

Imagine waking up, opening your email, and seeing a notice that your personal data might have been stolen. Scary, right? That’s exactly what happened to many customers of Marks & Spencer (M&S), a well-known British retailer, after a recent cyberattack exposed sensitive customer details.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what happened, what it means for you, and how you can protect your personal information in the future.

What Happened with Marks & Spencer?

On May 13, 2025, Marks & Spencer confirmed a data breach that compromised customer personal information. The company revealed that hackers had accessed sensitive data stored with one of their third-party providers. This breach is part of a larger cyberattack involving the MOVEit file transfer software—an increasingly common target in recent months.

So, What Kind of Information Was Stolen?

Unfortunately, quite a bit. According to M&S, the stolen data may include:

• Full names
• Email addresses
• Phone numbers
• Employee payroll details (for some staff)

No customer payment details, like credit card numbers, were reportedly affected—but still, this isn’t the kind of news anyone wants to hear.

Why Should You Be Concerned?

If you’ve ever created an account with M&S or provided them with your contact details, there’s a chance your data was part of the breach. While stolen phone numbers or email addresses might not seem like a big deal on the surface, this kind of personal info is gold in the hands of cybercriminals.

They can use this data to:

• Create convincing phishing emails that trick you into giving away more information
• Attempt identity theft
• Target you with scams or spam messages

Think of it like giving a thief part of the key to your house. They might not be able to get in now, but they’re that much closer to figuring out the rest.

What Is the MOVEit Breach All About?

M&S uses a software service called MOVEit to transfer payroll and HR data securely. Unfortunately, MOVEit had a vulnerability that hackers exploited. M&S wasn’t alone—dozens of companies have been affected by this same weakness, including government agencies and well-known businesses across the globe.

This goes to show that even major companies can be caught off guard by sophisticated cyberattacks.

How Has Marks & Spencer Responded?

To their credit, M&S acted swiftly. Once they discovered the breach, they:

• Contacted affected customers and employees
• Alerted the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
• Launched a full investigation

They’re also working with cybersecurity experts to make sure this kind of thing doesn’t happen again.

Should You Be Worried If You Shop at M&S?

If you’re a frequent M&S shopper, you might be asking yourself, “Is it safe to keep shopping with them?” That’s a fair question. The truth is, data breaches are becoming more common—even at trustworthy, long-established brands like Marks & Spencer.

M&S isn’t the only retailer that has faced these challenges. Still, it’s a wake-up call that we all need to take data privacy more seriously—not just the companies, but consumers too.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself Right Now

Whether or not you were directly affected by the M&S data breach, it’s always wise to stay on top of your personal cybersecurity. Here are a few actionable tips you can follow right away:

1. Change Your Passwords

If you use the same password across multiple sites (we’ve all done it), now’s a good time to change that. Pick strong, unique passwords for your email account, online shopping sites, and especially your bank.

2. Watch Out for Phishing Attempts

Got a weird email claiming to be from M&S or another big brand? Don’t click on any links until you’re sure it’s legit. Cybercriminals love to use stolen data to create emails that look real but are designed to trick you.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security. Even if someone has your password, they can’t get into your account without that second form of verification. Many online retailers and service providers offer this feature—use it!

4. Monitor Your Accounts

Keep an eye on your bank statements and emails. If anything looks suspicious, report it to the relevant institution immediately. Catching fraud early can prevent a lot of headaches.

5. Stay Informed

Cybersecurity threats change fast. Subscribe to newsletters or follow trusted tech sites so you stay updated when new hacks or scams come out.

Why Cyberattacks Are Becoming More Common

It seems like every few weeks there’s a new story about a data breach, right? That’s because cybercriminals are getting more organized, more skilled, and more daring.

Whether it’s through ransomware, phishing scams, or exploiting software vulnerabilities, these attackers often target companies with lots of data—like banks, retailers, and government offices. And with more of our lives happening online, the risks keep growing.

You might think of cybersecurity like locking your front door. Years ago, a simple lock was enough. Now we need smart locks, cameras, and maybe even a dog to feel secure. The same thing is happening digitally.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic—Be Prepared

Yes, the Marks & Spencer data breach is upsetting—and it’s understandable to feel concerned. But instead of panicking, see this as a push to review how you’re protecting your information online.

In our connected world, cybersecurity isn’t just for IT pros. It affects all of us. So take a few minutes today to shore up your digital life. Your future self will thank you.

Have You Been Affected?

If you think your data might have been compromised in the M&S breach, reach out to their customer service for support. And drop a comment below—how do you feel about companies collecting and storing so much of our personal data?

Stay safe, stay smart, and stay alert.

For more updates on data breaches, online privacy, and digital safety tips, check back here often or subscribe to our newsletter.