England’s Tewkesbury Borough Council is currently experiencing significant disruptions to its services following a cyber attack reported on Wednesday afternoon. The attack prompted immediate action from the council, which began taking “necessary cyber response steps” to contain the incident and mitigate further damage. This included shutting down its IT systems, a precautionary measure designed to prevent the spread of the attack and safeguard sensitive data. As a result, many council services are either unavailable or operating at a slower pace, leading to considerable inconvenience for residents and businesses in the area.
The council has announced that phone lines are expected to be exceptionally busy, and residents are advised to contact the council only for absolutely essential matters. This guidance aims to manage the increased volume of inquiries and ensure that urgent issues can be addressed efficiently amid the ongoing disruptions. The council’s spokesperson emphasized the need for patience and understanding from the public as the situation unfolds.
An investigation into the cyber attack is actively underway, with the council working closely with the national cyber security center and counter-fraud agency. The collaborative effort is focused on determining the nature of the breach, its impact, and the steps required to prevent future occurrences. The council is also assessing the potential damage to its systems and data, and implementing strategies to restore normal operations as swiftly as possible.
This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber attacks on local government systems, underscoring the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and preparedness at all levels of public administration. The response from Tewkesbury Borough Council and its partners reflects the seriousness of the attack and the importance of a coordinated approach to managing such crises. The public will be kept informed as new developments emerge and as efforts to resume full service continue.
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