Ransomware Attack Redcar Council

Redcar Council confirms IT hack was ransomware attack.

06:30 03 March 2020

Redcar Council systems have been down for almost three weeks after it was targeted by hackers who have scrambled files and demanded money. The council, which has been working with the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Crime Agency to resolve the issue, has since mobilised a temporary call centre, built a new server, and is currently prioritising frontline services.

 

The council took 19 days to admit that they are dealing with ransomware attack, which is now recognised as a growing problem for large targets like companies and public authorities.

 

Councillor Mary Lanigan, leader of the council, said: "Significant progress has been made.

 

"All frontline services have continued, payments continue to be processed as normal, and there is no evidence so far to suggest any personal information has been removed from our servers.

 

"However, it may be some time before our IT capabilities are fully restored which may mean frustration for the public in dealing with us administratively."

 

She added: "As a council, we have always taken cyber security seriously, and we will continue to engage with the relevant authorities to ensure our systems are as secure as possible in the future.”