UK Council Cyberattack Disrupts Online Services for Thousands
Key Details of the Cybersecurity Incident
Three local councils in Kent, UK—Canterbury City Council, Dover District Council, and Thanet District Council—have taken critical public-facing systems offline following a cybersecurity breach. The incident has disrupted essential online services for hundreds of thousands of residents, prompting an urgent investigation.
Impact on Residents and Services
- Online service disruptions: Residents cannot apply for services, report issues, or make payments online.
- Planning applications: Searches and comments on planning applications are temporarily unavailable.
- Maps and forms: Online mapping tools and digital forms are non-functional.
Investigation and Response
The councils are collaborating with the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to assess the breach. While the exact nature of the attack remains undisclosed, preliminary findings suggest no customer data was compromised.
“We’ve isolated all systems as a precautionary measure,” said Robert Davis, spokesperson for Canterbury City Council. “Our initial review indicates no unauthorized access to sensitive data.”
Potential Link to Outsourced IT Provider
The disruption may be tied to EK Services (EKS), a shared IT and HR provider for the three councils. Key observations:
- EKS’s website is currently inaccessible.
- Payment systems and online forms managed by EKS are down.
- Civica, the outsourcing firm managing EKS since 2018, denies responsibility but pledges support.
Statements from Involved Parties
- NCSC: “We’re working to fully understand the incident’s impact.”
- Civica: “Our systems were not the cause, but we’ll assist in mitigating the fallout.”
- EKS: No immediate response to inquiries.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the risks of centralized IT outsourcing for local governments. With cyberattacks on public services rising, councils must balance cost efficiency with robust cybersecurity measures.
How Residents Can Stay Informed
- Monitor council websites for updates.
- Use alternative contact methods (phone or in-person visits) for urgent requests.
For confidential tips, contact Carly Page via Signal or SecureDrop.
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