The Big Issue, a prominent UK street newspaper supporting homeless individuals, has fallen victim to a ransomware attack, compromising 550 gigabytes of confidential data, including commercial and personnel files. CEO Paul Cheal confirmed the cyber incident and outlined immediate measures taken to restrict system access and collaborate with external IT security experts for investigation. Despite the breach, proactive steps enabled the restoration of limited system operations, ensuring the uninterrupted publication and distribution of the Big Issue magazine, a cornerstone of the organization’s mission to empower vendors.
Amidst the cyber threat landscape, the incident underscores the growing risk of ransomware attacks targeting British organizations, reflecting a concerning trend observed by the Information Commissioner’s Office. With ransomware incidents escalating annually, the urgency for robust cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly evident. The attack on the Big Issue highlights the critical need for proactive security measures to safeguard sensitive data and preserve essential operations for organizations supporting vulnerable communities.
As a social enterprise empowering vendors to run their own mini-businesses, the Big Issue plays a vital role in providing a legitimate income for homeless individuals. Despite the cyber setback, the organization remains committed to its mission of supporting vendors and facilitating the sale of the Big Issue magazine. CEO Paul Cheal’s reassurance regarding the restoration of system operations and limited disruption underscores the organization’s resilience in the face of cyber threats.
