Leicester City Council recently fell victim to a devastating ransomware attack, leading to the publication of approximately 1.3 terabytes of stolen data by a known cybercriminal group. The attack, which was described as “highly sophisticated,” crippled the council’s IT systems and phone lines, prompting an immediate internal investigation in collaboration with cybersecurity experts.
In response to the breach, the council swiftly took measures to mitigate the impact, including the commissioning of alternative phone numbers for affected departments and coordination with law enforcement authorities. However, the extent of the breach became apparent when the INC ransom group claimed responsibility for the attack and disclosed the theft of sensitive documents, including rent statements and passport information.
Richard Sword, Leicester City Council’s strategic director of city developments and neighbourhoods, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, confirming the publication of confidential documents by the ransomware group. Moreover, he revealed that a larger batch of stolen data, totaling 1.3 terabytes, had been recently released, underscoring the severity of the breach.
As the council works tirelessly to assess the extent of the damage and identify affected individuals, it collaborates closely with law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts. The priority is to notify and support individuals at high risk of harm due to the data breach while ensuring transparency and accountability in the investigation process.
Despite the challenges posed by the ransomware attack, Leicester City Council remains committed to safeguarding data security and protecting the privacy of its residents. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by cybercriminals and the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures in today’s digital landscape.
