The breach that shook the high street
When news broke of the M&S cyber attack in April 2025, the reaction from the public was swift. Panic buying, frozen tills, broken contactless payments, and customers being turned away were just the surface-level disruptions. Behind the scenes, the real damage was even more alarming.
According to public reports, attackers may have gained access by pretending to be IT support staff and convincing employees to reset internal passwords. This allegedly gave them access to critical systems, affecting operations at M&S and other high street retailers like Harrods and Co-op.
What happens when trust becomes a vulnerability
Most people still think of hacking as something that targets firewalls or software. But increasingly, it’s people who are being targeted. As covered by multiple sources, the M&S incident appears to have involved impersonation, not infiltration.
This technique is called social engineering. It’s when someone pretends to be trustworthy to get access to something they shouldn’t. It’s cheap, easy, and surprisingly effective. A believable phone call or fake email can do more damage than brute-force hacking ever could.
And this isn’t just a big-business problem. If it can reportedly happen to a major company with full-time security teams and staff training, it can happen to everyday users who don’t have those defences in place.
If you’ve got a digital financial account, especially one that stores real-world value like a TallyMoney account based on physical gold, this is your wake-up call. The system isn’t invincible. It’s time to take a closer look at where your money truly feels secure.
Digital threats are getting personal
Attacks are becoming more targeted because people are often the easiest way in. Criminals are posing as banks, tech support, even friends and family. One slip-up, a clicked link, a shared password, a read-out code, can lead to your money, your identity, and your account being taken.
Where you store your money matters. TallyMoney turns your balance into physical gold that you own. It’s not held as fiat, it’s not being loaned out, and it’s not tied to traditional banks. That gives you a strong foundation – but your login habits are still the frontline.
Account Protection Begins With Behaviour
While the M&S breach reportedly involved verification failures, it showed how vulnerable even the best systems can be when users aren’t cautious.
No amount of encryption can protect your money if you hand out access codes over the phone. This isn’t a hypothetical risk – it’s happening.
If you’re using TallyMoney, here are five simple steps you should take to protect your gold-based account.
How to Stay Secure:
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Every Account
Using the same password for everything is like giving someone the keys to your house and car in one go. If one platform is compromised, everything is at risk. Use a password manager and don’t use anything guessable. That includes your dog’s name plus “123”.
2. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
This is your safety net. If someone gets your password, 2FA adds a second lock. It could be a fingerprint, a face scan or a code sent to your phone. TallyMoney supports biometric login through the app. Once it’s set up, it becomes second nature.
3. Don’t Share Info – Even If The Caller Seems Legit
If someone phones you, says they’re from TallyMoney, and asks for your PIN or a code you’ve just received, hang up. We will never ask for that. Always go to the app yourself and use the official support route. If it’s really us, we’ll already know who you are.
4. Avoid Public WiFi for Sensitive Logins
Using free WiFi in cafés or train stations might feel handy, but it’s a risk. If you’re logging in to TallyMoney or any financial service, switch to mobile data or wait until you’re on a trusted connection.
5. Monitor Your Account Like You’d Watch a Watchlist Stock
Check your account regularly. Set up app alerts, review your login history, and scan through recent transactions. If something doesn’t look right – or if your card goes missing – freeze it immediately using the app. Don’t wait. It’s a non-negotiable step if anything seems off.
Final Thought: Don’t Wait Until You’re Next
The M&S cyber attack isn’t just another headline. It’s a warning – not about tech, but about trust. Based on public reports, the breach didn’t involve cracking systems. It started with a phone call and a misplaced moment of confidence.
If you’re already using TallyMoney, you’ve made a smart move by moving away from traditional banking and towards physical, gold-based value. But that’s just one part of staying secure.
Update your passwords. Use biometrics. Be suspicious when someone unexpected reaches out. TallyMoney platform is designed with your safety in mind, but it still needs you to play your part.
Your savings deserve more than hope. They deserve tangible protection and a security setup that actually keeps pace with modern threats. Tally gives you that. But you’re the one holding the front door key.
