Gloucester City Council cyber attack linked to Russian hackers

Russian hackers have been linked to the cyber attack which has knocked out several online services at Gloucester City Council. The local authority became aware their IT systems had been affected on December 20. And since then, the council’s online revenue and benefits, planning and customer services have been affected.

The council has been working with the National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre to understand more about the attack - although it's thought it could take up to six months to resolve.

Council leader Richard Cook said the local authority was doing everything it can to fix the problem and minimise its impact on residents.

"We’re asking people to be patient while we work with the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Crime Agency to find out more about the incident."

Council sources, who do not wish to be named, say the cyber attack was carried out by hackers in the former Soviet Union. Insiders say the malware made its way into the local authority's system, embedded in an email sent to a council officer

The interactive online application forms used to claim for housing benefit, council tax support, test and trace support payments and discretionary housing payments are currently unavailable. Residents are instead being asked to contact the council via email and there is information on their website detailing how people can use these services.

However, due to the cyber attack, the council’s planning application website is also unavailable and there are delays to several services.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.

• gloucester city council
• Cyber Attack