Leicester City hit by cyber attack; street lights lit non-stop

TLDR:

• Leicester City Council faces cyber attack leading to street lights staying on day and night
• Ransomware group targeted council, disrupting services and leaking confidential documents

Residents of Leicester have been experiencing street lights staying on continuously due to a cyber attack that targeted Leicester City Council’s IT systems. The attack, conducted by a ransomware group, not only disrupted city services but also leaked confidential documents online. The council is working to resolve the issue, but the incident highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect public infrastructure.

Full Article:

Residents of Leicester have been facing an unusual urban phenomenon: street lights that stay lit day and night. This issue stems from a severe cyber attack that targeted Leicester City Council’s IT systems, leading to a series of disruptions in city services, including street lighting management. The persistent glow of street lights has become a significant concern for the locals.

The Leicester City Council has acknowledged the problem, attributing it to the March 7, 2024, cyber attack. According to a Leicester Mercury report, the attack shut down the council’s IT systems, including the central management system that controls street lighting. The council has assured the public that they are taking steps to resolve the issue, but the process is expected to take some time.

The cyber attack was orchestrated by a ransomware group known for targeting public sector entities. This group disrupted the city’s services and leaked confidential documents online, including rent statements and applications to buy council houses. The identity of the group has not been disclosed as investigations are ongoing.

The situation in Leicester is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in modern urban infrastructure and the cascading effects that can result from cyber attacks. As the city works towards a resolution, the incident underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard public services against such disruptive threats.