Redcar Cyber Attack

Redcar and Cleveland's website and computers were hacked in February costing the local government £10million.

07:12 07 August 2020

A cyberattack that targeted Redcar and Cleveland's website and computers in February is estimated to have cost more than £10million. The local authority is now working with the central government to improve its cyber defenses "with further upgrades planned." 

 

The attack, which left more 135,000 residents without access to online public services, had an "unprecedented" effect during the Covid-19 crisis. Hackers took down features that residents used to book their online appointments, obtain social care advice and register their complaints. 

 

Commenting on the issue amidst the pandemic, Councillor Glyn Nightingale, cabinet member for resources and leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: "These were two completely different sources of disruption to the council's activities and services and came with serious consequences." 

 

The council has recently submitted a figure of £10.4millioni to the government along with other information to assist with a due diligence process. The Local Democracy Reporting Service said that extensive recovery or replacement work to the IT infrastructure and systems made up the £2.4million of the overall cost. 

 

The council added that the cost to individual departments amounted to £3.4million and lower collection levels for council tax and business rates caused a further £1million impact.