The retailer was forced to shut down parts of its IT systems at the end of April after it was targeted by hackers.
A spokesperson for the Co-op told Food Manufacture at the time that the attack resulted in a “small impact” to some of its back office and call centre services, but that its stores and funeral homes were able to continue trading as usual.
Now, more than a month on, Khoury-Haq has announced on LinkedIn that “significant progress” has been made thanks to the work of her “fantastic colleagues”
“While there is still work to do to unwind the operational and technical impacts of the actions we had to take to block the criminals, our systems are now stable, our food stores again have more of the products our customers want and all our businesses are continuing to serve our member-owners,” she wrote.
“We are all grateful to our members-owners, clients and customers, for their patience over what has been a really difficult time. We have had so many of you check in on our colleagues, and on me, throughout the last few weeks – and we have all felt very much supported and cared for throughout. I will be forever thankful to all of you.”
Reflecting on the work involved in the recovery process, Khoury-Haq said that teams across the Co-op have been working day and night.
“What they have done for us, our partners, our peers, our members and our customers in the face of a sustained and highly sophisticated attack was nothing short of heroic,” she continued.
“The same goes for all of our colleagues. They have gone above and beyond every day to serve our members and customers, and their teamwork and leadership has been exemplary. You always learn lessons in difficult times and we are coming out of this stronger and more effective than before.
“And finally, I must acknowledge our partners and suppliers for bearing with us, while showing such support and understanding to my colleagues and to me.”
Khoury-Haq finished by explaining that the remaining recovery work would be conducted behind the scenes.
The attack on Co-op came not long after Marks & Spencer was hit by a similar attack, albeit one that appears to have had more widespread impacts. In fact, Thompsons Solicitors Scotland has launched an “unprecedented” class action lawsuit against M&S, with more than 300 people that had their data stolen already signed up.
In related news, 73% of Co-op members recently backed a motion calling for the retailer to cease trading with Israel amid its ongoing assault on Gaza that has killed at least 54,000 people, although several studies have estimated that the actual number could be far higher.
The motion, which was voted on at Co-op’s AGM, urged the firm’s board to show moral courage and leadership by removing all Israeli products from its shelves.
