Latest news with #SharryCramond
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Gamers warned their passwords could be STOLEN after installing brand new title – simple mistake could cost you thousands
AN URGENT warning has gone out to gamers after a alleged scam to rob players of thousands of pounds was uncovered. Malware has reportedly been uploaded to a Advertisement 2 An urgent warning has gone out to gamers after Malware was uploaded to a Steam game Credit: Supplied 2 The malware allows hackers to access your device at any time Credit: Getty A The sinister scammer - also known as Larva-208 - allegedly launched his plot on July 22 when he uploaded the HijackLoader malware ( onto the game. According to The software establishes 'persistence' - meaning it gives a hacker unlimited access - on your device. Advertisement Read More on Gaming Then, it downloads the Vidar infostealer ( while receiving a command-and-control address from a Telegram channel. A second piece of With all of that data and access to your computer, the hacker is then able to rob users of their hard-earned cash. A report shared with BleepingComputer revealed that the scheme relies on players trusting online platforms, instead of using 'traditional deception techniques'. Advertisement Most read in Tech Exclusive Exclusive Breaking It is unknown how EncryptHub allegedly managed to upload the files onto the game and Chemia's developer has not commented on the issue. The game remains on Steam and it is unclear if the latest version is safe to download. Watch trailer for RoboCop-Rogue City game that's FREE to claim on PlayStation The Sun has contacted EncryptHub was behind a cyberattack campaign last year which affected 600 companies worldwide. Advertisement The news comes after the beloved supermarket M&S recovers from a major cyberattack this year. Marks and Spencer was forced to shut down their online website while it grappled with the crisis, while £700 million was wiped off its stock market value. Eventually, the retailer was able to return to normal after being unable to make deliveries for some time. After the attack, the company offered users of its Sparks loyalty scheme the chance to choose between two of M&S' best selling products. Advertisement These included: Percy Pigs or a Swiss Truffle Assortment Box Bouquet of Flowers or bottle of Prosecco A punnet of Grapes or a packet of Outrageously Chocolatey Round Biscuits. Sharry Cramond, director of loyalty, fashion, home & beauty marketing and masterbrand, said: 'Over the last three months, our colleagues have demonstrated real commitment and teamwork. At the same time, our customers have shown us fantastic support and loyalty. "These extra Sparks rewards are a small gesture to say thank you.' How to spot a dodgy app Detecting a malicious app before you hit the 'Download' button is easy when you know the signs. Follow this eight-point checklist when you're downloading an app you're unsure about: Check the reviews - be wary of both complaints and uniformly positive reviews by fake accounts. Look out for grammar mistakes - legitimate app developers won't have typos or errors in their app descriptions. Check the number of downloads - avoid apps with only several thousand downloads, as it could be fake. Research the developer - do they have a good reputation? Or, are totally fake? Check the release date - a recent release date paired with a high number of downloads is usually bad news. Review the permission agreement - this agreement gives permission for the app to take bits of your data, and fake apps often ask for additional data that is not necessary. Check the update frequency - an app that is updated too frequently is usually indicative of security vulnerabilities. Check the icon - look closely, and don't be deceived by distorted, lower-quality versions the icons from legitimate apps. All of this information will available in both Apple's App Store and the Google Play Store.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Gamers warned their passwords could be STOLEN after installing brand new title – simple mistake could cost you thousands
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN URGENT warning has gone out to gamers after a alleged scam to rob players of thousands of pounds was uncovered. Malware has reportedly been uploaded to a popular game on Steam, which could give hackers full access to your personal information. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 An urgent warning has gone out to gamers after Malware was uploaded to a Steam game Credit: Supplied 2 The malware allows hackers to access your device at any time Credit: Getty A hacker - known as EncryptHub - has eportedly compromised a game on the online platform Steam, which now installs info-stealing malware on devices - when downloaded. The sinister scammer - also known as Larva-208 - allegedly launched his plot on July 22 when he uploaded the HijackLoader malware ( onto the game. According to Bleeping Computer, this dodgy software was uploaded to the popular game Chemia, originally developed by Aether Forge Studios. The software establishes 'persistence' - meaning it gives a hacker unlimited access - on your device. Then, it downloads the Vidar infostealer ( while receiving a command-and-control address from a Telegram channel. A second piece of malware allegedly added to Chemia harvests your data from web browsers - including your account details, auto-fill information, cookies and cryptocurrency data. With all of that data and access to your computer, the hacker is then able to rob users of their hard-earned cash. A report shared with BleepingComputer revealed that the scheme relies on players trusting online platforms, instead of using 'traditional deception techniques'. It is unknown how EncryptHub allegedly managed to upload the files onto the game and Chemia's developer has not commented on the issue. The game remains on Steam and it is unclear if the latest version is safe to download. Watch trailer for RoboCop-Rogue City game that's FREE to claim on PlayStation The Sun has contacted Steam's operator, Valve, for comment. EncryptHub was behind a cyberattack campaign last year which affected 600 companies worldwide. The news comes after the beloved supermarket M&S recovers from a major cyberattack this year. Marks and Spencer was forced to shut down their online website while it grappled with the crisis, while £700 million was wiped off its stock market value. Eventually, the retailer was able to return to normal after being unable to make deliveries for some time. After the attack, the company offered users of its Sparks loyalty scheme the chance to choose between two of M&S' best selling products. These included: Percy Pigs or a Swiss Truffle Assortment Box Bouquet of Flowers or bottle of Prosecco A punnet of Grapes or a packet of Outrageously Chocolatey Round Biscuits. Sharry Cramond, director of loyalty, fashion, home & beauty marketing and masterbrand, said: 'Over the last three months, our colleagues have demonstrated real commitment and teamwork. At the same time, our customers have shown us fantastic support and loyalty. "These extra Sparks rewards are a small gesture to say thank you.'
South Wales Argus
18-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
M&S Sparks membership deals ‘fully back online' after hack
M&S said its Sparks membership system is now back to normal and shoppers will see a raft of customer rewards and perks return in the coming weeks after efforts to restore online operations. In April, the company took down part of its IT systems and stopped sales through its website after being targeted by hackers. Customer personal data – which could have included names, email addresses, postal addresses and dates of birth – was taken during the attack. Customers took to Mumsnet to discuss the Sparks card, with one user saying: "I save quite a bit of money with it. I seem to regularly get 20% off clothes, home and beauty and lots of more specific offers (e.g. 20% off socks) so stock up when I get those. I also get several free treats a year." Another added: "If you go there a lot the Christmas advent can be good, I got a bottle of light up gin one year. Also the odd freebie and some discounts which can be for the food halls or other stuff in M&S." But others were disappointed by the offers they received, with one user saying: "Just seen by chance that I have got 3 offers on my M&S Sparks card app. Disappointed by how rubbish they are and one is irrelevant as I don't have little kids. Discount on kids swimwear, women's swimwear and linen bedding. After weeks of unrecognised spending, they could offer a free cake at least!" M&S revealed that the hack was caused by 'human error' and would cost it around £300 million. Last month, it restarted online sales through its website after six weeks and has continued to restore different parts of its operations in recent weeks. All online fashion and homeware operations are now back online. It is understood M&S expects to restart its outstanding operations – online beauty and click and collect sales – in the coming weeks. M&S has also brought back its popular 20% off across all Back to School ranges (including uniform, shoes and hosiery) from yesterday, but that is still in store only. On Thursday, the business said its Sparks membership has now been fully restored and will provide a 'range of thank you treats and rewards' to customers. This will include giving customers rewards across its fashion and home products, and reinstating its coffee stamp scheme, which provides customers with a free coffee to redeem after getting six stamps. It is also restarting its birthday treats for Sparks members, with M&S set to hand out gifts to those celebrating their birthday this month, as well as belated treats to those who missed out in May and June. Recommended reading: M&S said it will also increase its colleague discount this weekend from 20% to 30% for fashion, home and beauty. It will also extend a 10% discount to contractors for the first time outside of Christmas. Sharry Cramond, director of loyalty, fashion, home & beauty marketing, said: 'Over the last three months, our colleagues have demonstrated real commitment and teamwork. 'At the same time, our customers have shown us fantastic support and loyalty. These extra Sparks rewards are a small gesture to say thank you."
Daily Record
18-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
M&S Sparks shoppers given 'thank you' treat in new cyber attack update
As M&S slowly gets back on its feet after months of recovering from a damaging cyber attack, Sparks shoppers will be happy to hear that they will once again receive a range of offers and treats from the retailer as the service is confirmed to be "fully back online". Members of the Sparks scheme have not been receiving any of their usual offers over the last few months due to the retailer's online systems being put on pause to try and recover from a cyber criminal hit earlier this year. Back in April, M&S was forced to take down part of its IT systems, as well as stopping online sales through their website, despite knowing this would have a damaging impact on the company. On top of this, it was later confirmed that the Sparks offers would be "paused" until "all technical issues have been resolved". However, on Thursday (July 17), M&S broke the happy news that its Sparks membership was now fully restored after 12 weeks of being suspended, reports the Manchester Evening News. The retailers added that the service will provide a "range of thank you treats and rewards" to its customers. For those who enjoy the M&S range, Sparks card members are able to access rewards across a range of the retailer's home and fashion products. On top of this, M&S will also be reinstating its popular coffee stamp scheme, which lets avid coffee lovers redeem a free coffee in M&S cafes after collecting six stamps. Another perk that comes with the Sparks scheme is that the much loved retailer hands out gifts to those who are celebrating their birthdays in each month. And for members who had their birthday while the service was down in May and June, they will receive a belated treat to look out for. The 'thank yous' don't stop there, as M&S has also said it will be increasing its colleague discount this weekend across home, beauty and fashion from 20 per cent to 30 per cent. Contractors are also in luck as for the first time outside of Christmas the retailer is extending them a 10 per cent discount. Sharry Cramond, director of loyalty, fashion, home & beauty marketing, said: "Over the last three months, our colleagues have demonstrated real commitment and teamwork. "At the same time, our customers have shown us fantastic support and loyalty. These extra Sparks rewards are a small gesture to say thank you." This update follows four young people being arrested for suspected involvement in the cyber attacks not just to M&S, but also towards Co-op and Harrods. However on Wednesday, July 16, it was revealed by the National Crime Agency (NCA) that they had been released on bail. A spokesperson said: "All four individuals have been bailed pending further inquiries." The individuals were all arrested from their home addresses on suspicion of money laundering, blackmail, offences linked to the Computer Misuse Act and participating in the activities of an organised crime group. However, Thompsons Solicitors - who are the legal firm behind the class action lawsuit against M&S - say that it will take financial compensation for customers to see any real justice. Thompsons partner Patrick Mcguire said: "Their loyal customers feel heavily let down by their failures, they are entitled to compensation. "The only way they can obtain financial justice is through a class action and not through these arrests."
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
M&S giving away 'thank you' treats to millions of shoppers after cyber attack
The supermarket was forced to shut down its online operations after it was targeted over the Easter weekend M&S has announced that its Sparks loyalty scheme is now fully back online following its crippling cyber attack. The supermarket was forced to shut down its online operations after it was targeted over the Easter weekend. The cyber attack affected contactless payments in stores, as well as click and collect orders. It was later confirmed that customer data, including names, email addresses, addresses and dates of birth - but not card or payment details - was stolen. In its latest update, M&S said customers will be able to use its Sparks app fully once again, including personalised discounts, birthday treats and coffee stamps. The M&S coffee scheme allows customers to get a free coffee when they collect six stamps a free coffee in their Sparks app. In addition, M&S will be giving out over 1.8 million birthday treats to those celebrating their birthday this month. There will also be belated birthday treats for customers who had celebrations in May or June. Customers will be able to choose between Percy Pigs or a Swiss Truffle Assortment Box, a bouquet of flowers or bottle of Prosecco, a punnet of grapes or a packet of Outrageously Chocolatey Round Biscuits. Shoppers will be advised to change their password if they've yet to log in to the Sparks app following the cyber attack. M&S has also launched a 'thank you' discount to staff. This weekend, M&S will is boosting its 20% colleague discount to 30% for four days for 63,000 colleagues. M&S will also extend the 10% discount to over 2,500 contractors from across its supply chain and partners. Sharry Cramond, Director of Loyalty, Fashion, Home & Beauty Marketing and Masterbrand, said: 'Over the last three months, our colleagues have demonstrated real commitment and teamwork. 'At the same time, our customers have shown us fantastic support and loyalty. These extra Sparks rewards are a small gesture to say thank you.' It comes after the boss of M&S issued a statement earlier this month, confirming the rest of its online operations will reopen by August. Speaking to shareholders at the retailer's annual general meeting, CEO Stuart Machin said: "I'm really hoping by August, the majority of this is behind us, and customers will see the full M&S." The cyber attack is expected to cost the company around £300million. M&S annual profits - before the attack emerged - jumped by more than a fifth to £875.5million, its highest in over 15 years, thanks to its turnaround programme. M&S has advised shoppers to take extra caution if they are contacted by someone who claims to be from the supermarket.
