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Breaking: Hackney Council says it has been hit by a "serious cyber attack" which is affecting many of its services and IT systems.
Not yet clear what type of attack they're dealing with. https://news.sky.com/story/hackney-council-hit-by-serious-cyber-attack-12103102
Not yet clear what type of attack they're dealing with. https://news.sky.com/story/hackney-council-hit-by-serious-cyber-attack-12103102
Mayor @PhilipGlanville says: Our focus is on continuing to deliver essential frontline services, especially to our most vulnerable residents, and protecting data, while restoring affected services as soon as possible.
"In the meantime, some council services may be unavailable or slower than normal, and our call centre is extremely busy," he added.
"We ask that residents and businesses only contact us if absolutely necessary, and to bear with us while we seek to resolve these issues."
"We ask that residents and businesses only contact us if absolutely necessary, and to bear with us while we seek to resolve these issues."
A spokesperson for @NCSC confirmed that it was "aware of an incident affecting Hackney Borough Council" and said the agency was "supporting the organisation and working with partners to understand the impact of this incident".
My editor has asked whether I have fallen behind in my council tax payments...
Sky News understands that the G-Suite services the council are still working and staff calling the council's IT support hotline are being instructed to follow the guidance and information in their inboxes.
An @NCA_UK spokesperson said: "We are aware of an incident affecting Hackney Borough Council. Our officers are working with partners to support the organisation and understand the impact of the incident."
An @ICOnews spokesperson said: "People should be able to expect that their personal information is handled securely by any organisation. When it isn’t this can cause real distress - especially if it is sensitive information." [1/2]
"We have received a data breach report from the London Borough of Hackney and will be making enquiries.
"If anyone is concerned about their personal information they should contact the council first, if they are not satisfied, they can bring their concerns to us." [2/2]
"If anyone is concerned about their personal information they should contact the council first, if they are not satisfied, they can bring their concerns to us." [2/2]
Hackney Council has finally published an update.
Very little new on it, except for the statement: "We are choosing not to share any more information at this stage in order to make sure we do not inadvertently assist the attackers".
Full statement here: https://news.hackney.gov.uk/update-on-cyberattack-on-council-services/
Very little new on it, except for the statement: "We are choosing not to share any more information at this stage in order to make sure we do not inadvertently assist the attackers".
Full statement here: https://news.hackney.gov.uk/update-on-cyberattack-on-council-services/
An @MHCLG spokesperson has said:
"The Government is working closely with Hackney Borough Council to provide advice and support and ensure vital services are protected. Safeguarding frontline services remains the council’s priority. (1/2)
"The Government is working closely with Hackney Borough Council to provide advice and support and ensure vital services are protected. Safeguarding frontline services remains the council’s priority. (1/2)
They add: “As the investigation is at an early stage it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.”
Hackney Council has confirmed it is unable to pay housing benefit to residents who need it as a result of the cyber attack. This is going to affect tens of thousands of people, who in a worst case scenario might face eviction and homelessness.
https://hackney.gov.uk/homelessness/
My apologies for the incorrect link. The council statement is here: https://news.hackney.gov.uk/cyberattack-council-service-status-update/
If you have been affected or are concerned about being affected by this incident, please feel free to contact me in confidence using the contact details in my bio.
If you have been affected or are concerned about being affected by this incident, please feel free to contact me in confidence using the contact details in my bio.
