Spar stores start to return to normal after “ransomware” attack

Spar wholesaler James Hall & Co, which was the focus of the attack, says it is working around the clock to bring stores back online and allow them to fully open.

Hundreds of stores temporarily closed earlier this week and many have been offering a more limited service than normal because they have been unable to access the usual computer systems.

A spokesperson for James Hall & Co confirmed that the “ransomware” problem began on Sunday and forced the group to take some stores offline.

A spokesman added: “On a precautionary basis we also took the rest of the James Hall & Co network down while we looked into the issue.

“As a result of these prompt and decisive steps, we are now able to start bringing our affected stores back online.

“This is our absolute priority and the team will be working round the clock to make as much progress as possible.

“It is vital that we do this safely and securely so we would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while we complete this process over the coming days.”

The company added that it had no reason to believe “that James Hall & Co, Spar or any of our customers were specifically targeted by this incident”.

Lawrence Hunt was among the independent Spar retailers affected by the attack, which saw 25 of its stores temporarily close earlier this week.

It is not yet clear who was behind the cyber attack.