England’s Salford City Council has recently suspended its housing register service, Salford Home Search, following a serious cyber breach that has potentially exposed personal data. The incident occurred on August 2, 2024, and involved a third-party company responsible for managing the software behind the website. Although the full extent of the data compromised remains unclear, the council has confirmed that around 5,000 individuals are potentially affected. Users have been warned to be on alert for phishing emails that may attempt to steal personal information by directing them to fraudulent websites.
In the wake of the breach, the Salford Home Search website has been taken offline as a precautionary measure to prevent any further risks. Residents have been advised to monitor their bank accounts for any suspicious activity and to update any passwords that might be the same as those used for their Salford Home Search account. Additionally, the council recommends signing up for a free credit report to help detect any potential misuse of their personal information. This proactive approach aims to safeguard residents from identity theft and financial fraud resulting from the breach.
Miranda Cannon, Executive Director of Resources and Transformation at Salford City Council, clarified that the breach was linked to the software managed by an external company, not the council’s internal systems. She emphasized that the council took immediate action by suspending the site, informing the police, and notifying the Information Commissioner’s Office about the incident. These steps are intended to address the breach’s impact and ensure that residents’ personal information remains protected.
Residents from Little Hulton and Walkden, who rely on the Salford Home Search service for housing applications, have expressed significant concerns about the breach. Many are worried about the potential effects on their housing bids and the lack of communication from the council regarding the situation. The council has apologized for the inconvenience and is working diligently to resolve the issue. They have assured residents that the website will remain suspended until it is confirmed to be secure, and they are committed to keeping the community informed throughout the process.
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