Leicester City Council hit by cyber attack, IT systems down

TLDR

• Leicester City Council’s IT systems and phones are down due to a cyber attack
• Experts suspect it may be a ransomware attack

Leicester City Council is currently facing major disruptions as a cyber attack has caused their IT systems and phone lines to be shut down. Officials are working with cybersecurity specialists and law enforcement to assess the damage and restore functionality. While the nature of the attack remains undisclosed, experts believe it may be a costly ransomware attack. The council anticipates a phased recovery process, prioritizing the restoration of essential services by midweek. Residents seeking urgent assistance can utilize emergency phone lines established on the council’s website. This incident highlights the vulnerability of local authorities to cyber threats and underscores the importance of basic cybersecurity measures.