A significant cyberattack has disrupted housing services across Greater Manchester, targeting the councils of Manchester, Salford, and Bolton. The breach, which affected Locata’s housing software, first impacted Salford’s Home Search website at the beginning of August. The attack spread to other councils, leading to the takedown of their housing websites. This incident has also resulted in thousands of residents receiving phishing emails asking them to provide personal information.
Locata, the company responsible for the compromised software, issued an apology and a statement on the matter. They confirmed that the IT security incident was identified on July 29 and impacted a few public-facing websites managed on behalf of local authorities. The company is working with third-party IT experts to investigate the breach and has notified the affected councils. They are collaborating to resolve the issue and have assured that updates will be provided as their investigation progresses.
In response to the breach, Manchester City Council has advised residents to be cautious of phishing emails requesting them to create new accounts. The phishing attempts, which are linked to the compromised public-facing website, have prompted the council to deactivate the Manchester Move website temporarily to prevent further damage. The breach has been reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office, and the council is taking steps to protect personal data and ensure the security of the website before reactivation.
The cyberattack comes amid a series of recent cybersecurity incidents in the region, including a third-party attack on Greater Manchester Police last autumn and a similar attack targeting the University of Manchester. In light of these events, affected councils have urged residents to change their passwords and remain vigilant against potential threats. The ongoing security challenges highlight the need for improved cybersecurity measures and public awareness to safeguard personal information against evolving cyber threats.
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