Gloucester City Council leaders support probe into cyber attack
The council’s IT systems were breached in December by hackers from the former Soviet Union
Civic leaders say they support calls for a full review into what led to the cyber security breach at Gloucester City Council.
The council’s IT systems were breached in December by hackers operating out of the former Soviet Union.
Since then, the operation of the local authority’s online revenue and benefits, planning and customer services has been affected.
The council has been working with the National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre to understand more about the attack which the council first became aware of on Monday, December 20.
Opposition councillors have been calling for more transparency from council leaders and tabled several questions about the incident at last week’s council meeting.
However, council leaders said they are unable to share any further details concerning the incident as it is an active investigation.
They also hit out at councillors for “speculating” about the incident in the press.
Deputy council leader Hannah Norman (Con, Quedgeley Fieldcourt) said: “Councillors know at present we are unable to share additional information.
“It is therefore disappointing that there has been extensive speculation in the press from councillors about the incident which can cause additional concern to residents, businesses, partners and suppliers.
“I fully support the need to undertake a full review as to the circumstances around this incident, the council’s cyber preparedness, our response and our recovery.
“However, I feel it is critical that the council should move into a recovery phase before such an exercise can take place.
“We must also be mindful of the impact it could have on a criminal investigation.”
Cllr Norman also said the council is still making benefits payments, Covid grants are being processed and paid and supplier invoices are also being processed.
She also said new planning applications can be submitted and residents can comment on this.
However, council officers are currently working on a manual work around for previously submitted plans.