M&S empty shelves linked to attack by criminal network of 'teenagers' The supermarket recently faced a cyber attack leaving some stores and many customers still suffering Marks & Spencer is still recovering since the attack more than a week ago (Image: Getty ) Marks & Spencer is still suffering severe technical disruptions after being targeted in a cyber attack. The disruptions have seen empty shelves, the pausing of contactless payments in some stores and a halt to all online orders. The attack has now been linked to a network of 'threat actors' commonly known as Scattered Spider. The network is thought to have members as young as 16, according to Bleeping Computer. The attack is more complicated than one caused by a technical fault or software updates due to the presence of ‘ransomware’ ‌ Ransomware is a computer virus which locks the owner out of their computer or network, disrupting the data stored inside and then demanding a fee to restore it. M&S have not commented on the details of the attack but official advice says not to pay the criminals. ‌ M&S and its customers are still facing disruption due to the attacks. The supermarket announced on April 25 that they would be pausing all online orders. A statement on its website still reads: “As part of our proactive management of a cyber incident, we have made the decision to pause taking orders via our M&S.com websites, apps and over the phone. Our product range remains available to browse online. We are truly sorry for this inconvenience. Our stores are open to welcome customers. Article continues below "We have informed customers that there is no need for them to take any action. That remains the case, and if the situation changes we will let them know. " Shoppers are advised that due to “technical difficulties” M&S will not be able to process returns in store through their usual drop-off service. They advise instead to take any items you wish to return to a till in a clothing & home store. The supermarket is not currently accepting returns into simply food stores. Article continues below A spokesperson for M&S said that the retailer is experiencing “pockets of limited availability in some stores”.