London councils are facing a significant threat from recent cyber-attacks. Several councils in the city reported receiving intelligence about targeted assaults within a 24-48 hour timeframe. These attacks have raised concerns regarding the security of council operations and resident data.
Urgent Warnings Issued
Hackney Council alerted its staff through an urgent memo. The communication emphasized the need for heightened vigilance against phishing attempts. The note urged cooperation to safeguard council data and services.
Network Shutdowns and Business Continuity
Westminster City Council has taken immediate action by shutting down its networks. This precaution followed reports of a cyber-security incident. Officials activated business continuity arrangements, prompting senior management to support essential services during this time.
Ongoing Issues at RBKC
- Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) is currently confronting a serious IT issue.
- Some residents struggled to contact RBKC due to the outage.
- Sources indicate that systems at RBKC have been down for two to three days.
A spokesperson from RBKC confirmed that the authority is collaborating with Westminster City Council and cyber specialists. Their goal is to protect sensitive data and restore operational services promptly. An investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing, with updates promised as more information becomes available.
Response from Hammersmith & Fulham Council
Hammersmith & Fulham Council has also acknowledged its reaction to a serious cyber-security incident. Details about the specific challenges they are facing remain less clear but underscore the urgency of the situation affecting London councils.
Conclusion
As cyber-attacks continue to threaten local government agencies in London, authorities urge staff and residents to remain alert. The coordinated effort between councils aims to mitigate risks and ensure data security while restoring normal operations.
