TCS Refutes Cyberattack Claims, Explains End of Marks & Spencer Contract

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has clarified that the non-renewal of its contract with British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) was not linked to any cyberattack, dismissing recent UK media reports that hinted otherwise. The IT major confirmed that the partnership ended as part of a planned business restructuring by M&S, not due to any breach or security-related issue.

According to TCS, the contract came to a natural conclusion after a successful multi-year engagement. The company stated that both parties had mutually agreed on the transition, aligning with M&S’s new operational strategy to bring certain technology functions in-house. TCS emphasized that its systems and networks remain fully secure and compliant with global cybersecurity standards.

Industry experts note that such transitions are common in long-term IT outsourcing relationships. Large global retailers often revise their vendor strategies based on cost optimization, technology upgrades, and changing digital priorities. For TCS, which manages several major clients in the UK and Europe, the M&S decision is being seen more as a routine business move than a setback.

The clarification comes amid heightened sensitivity around cybersecurity incidents worldwide, particularly after several global firms have reported data breaches in recent months. TCS’s swift response aims to protect its reputation and reassure stakeholders of its robust security infrastructure.

M&S has not issued any statement contradicting TCS’s explanation, further supporting the view that the contract’s conclusion was business-driven. TCS, meanwhile, reiterated its continued focus on strengthening partnerships and delivering digital transformation solutions across global markets.

In summary, the situation highlights how speculation around large IT contracts can quickly escalate into controversy. By directly addressing the reports, TCS has attempted to draw a clear line between business strategy and cybersecurity concerns—ensuring that its credibility as one of India’s most trusted IT giants remains intact.