Reflecting on the recent cyber attack on Marks and Spencer (M&S), Dr Harjinder Singh Lallie, Associate Professor at Warwick Manufacturing Group, The University of Warwick, said:

“The recent cyber attack on Marks & Spencer highlights the critical vulnerability of the UK’s food supply chain — an essential pillar of our national infrastructure. The food sector is under relentless cyber assault, and attacks like these can seriously disrupt access to basic necessities. The industry must urgently strengthen resilience, not just in preventing breaches, but also in developing robust response mechanisms. This includes real-time detection, rapid containment, and parallel operational systems to minimise disruption for customers. Cyber security must now be seen as central to national food security and public confidence.”