Marks & Spencer suspends online shopping after cyber attack that crippled contactless payments
Marks & Spencer has suspended online shopping as it races to recover from a cyber attack.
The high street giant admitted on Tuesday that it was responding to an 'incident' after customers began reporting problems over the busy Easter bank holiday weekend.
Shoppers were unable to make contactless payments on Saturday and Sunday, sparking chaos in stores as consumers were forced to abandon full trolleys at tills.
Click and collect orders were also delayed in a further blow to customers.
Now the retailer has told shoppers that it cannot accept any orders through its website or mobile app.
Marks & Spencer has called in cyber experts to help to tackle the meltdown (file image)
M&S has called in cyber experts to help to tackle the meltdown sparked by the attack.
The firm said it was 'working extremely hard' to restart online and app shopping.
However, it has not provided an expected time frame for the problem, which has been reported to the National Cyber Security Centre, to be resolved.
In a statement the company said: 'As part of our proactive management of a cyber incident, we have made the decision to pause taking orders via our M&S.com website and apps.
'Our product range remains available to browse online. We are truly sorry for this inconvenience.
'We informed customers on Tuesday that there was no need for them to take any action. That remains the case, and if the situation changes we will let them know.
'Our experienced team – supported by leading cyber experts – is working extremely hard to restart online and app shopping.
'We are incredibly grateful to our customers, colleagues and partners for their understanding and support.'
M&S's stores remain open and contactless payment services are back up and running.
However, gift cards and credit receipts are not being accepted in shops and click and collect customers are still reporting delays to picking up their orders.
