M&S cyberattack: Why cybersecurity education matters more than ever

The cyberattack on M&S: what happened?

Over the Easter weekend, M&S announced it was subject to a cyber incident that led to the suspension of online orders across the UK and Ireland. The attack disrupted contactless payments, click-and-collect services and the functionality of gift cards. While the company assured customers that their data remained secure, the operational impact was substantial, with online sales accounting for over a third of its clothing and home revenue, totalling £1.3 billion last year according to BBC.

In response, M&S disabled its VPN to prevent the spread of the attack, limiting remote access for staff to internal IT systems. The company collaborated with the National Cyber Security Centre and the Information Commissioner's Office to address the breach.

The broader implications for businesses

This cyberattack underscores the many different types of cyber vulnerabilities that even industry leaders face. The operational disruptions have not only affected sales but also have the potential to erode customer trust. Watching this in real-time reinforces those points even further, given we’re still waiting for the all-clear from M&S. Moreover, the incident highlights the importance of having a proactive cybersecurity strategy and the to invest in robust security measures to protect against cyber threats.

The role of cybersecurity education

The M&S incident illustrates the increasingly pressing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals who can identify and mitigate cyber threats, especially before they happen. Investing in cybersecurity education is crucial for building a workforce with the skillset to protect organisations from attacks.​

At Learning People, we offer comprehensive cybersecurity courses designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this field. Our programmes cover essential areas such as ethical hacking, network security and risk management, preparing students to address real-world challenges effectively.​ If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to cybersecurity training and certification, read our go-to guide to cyber security courses.

Empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals

By pursuing a career in cybersecurity, you can play a fundamental role in safeguarding businesses and their communities from cyber threats. The demand for cybersecurity experts is constantly growing, offering promising career prospects and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.​

There's never been a better time to pursue a career in cybersecurity; according to CompTIA's State of Cybersecurity 2025 report, we'll see a huge 267% uplift in demand for Cybersecurity Analysts and Engineers by 2034.

Learning People's commitment to providing high-quality, industry-relevant training ensures that our students are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the cybersecurity landscape. Through our courses, learners gain practical experience and insights that empower them to become effective defenders against cybercrime.​

The cyberattack on M&S serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in today's society. It highlights the need for businesses to implement robust security measures and for individuals to pursue education and training in this critical field.​

At Learning People, we are dedicated to empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in cybersecurity careers. By investing in education and professional development, we can collectively work towards a more secure and resilient digital future.​

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