Leicester City Council cyberattack exposes sensitive data

Leicester City Council has fallen victim to a recent cyberattack, leaving its phone and computer systems disabled since March 7th

The attack, claimed by a group known as INC Ransom, has socked the council and its residents, with about 25 documents already posted online by the attackers.

Millions of data are compromised

The attackers claim to have obtained 3TB of data, roughly equivalent to a million smartphone photographs. Among the documents shared online are rent statements, applications for council housing purchases, and identification documents such as passport information.

This breach is a significant threat to the affected individuals, as their personal information is now exposed to opposing actors. Leicester City Council is working to mitigate the damage and reach out to those impacted by the breach. However, the full extent of the data leak remains uncertain, raising concerns about further disclosures of confidential information.

Responding to the cyberattack

Richard Sword, Leicester City Council’s strategic director of city developments and neighbourhoods, has emphasised the severity of the situation, labeling the publication of confidential documents as a criminal act. The council has taken action by notifying the Information Commissioner and collaborating with law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident.

The repercussions of this cyberattack extend beyond the immediate aftermath, showing the need for robust cybersecurity measures across government, education, and healthcare organisations. As technology continues evolving, so must our defences against cyber threats.

In response to this breach, residents are urged to remain alert and take precautionary measures to safeguard their personal information. This includes monitoring financial accounts for suspicious activity and being cautious of unsolicited communications requesting sensitive data.

The Leicester City Council cyberattack reminds us of the dangers cyber criminals pose. This also reminds other councils of the importance of prioritising cyber security at all levels, from individuals to organisations. We can only defend against these attacks in the future through collective vigilance and proactive measures.

As the investigation into this incident continues, authorities encourage anyone with information about the cyberattack to come forward.