A significant cyber attack has disrupted IT systems for several major London councils, including Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Westminster City.
Emergency Response Activated
The attack, which began on Monday morning, has forced the councils, which share IT infrastructure, to initiate their emergency plans. They are now working alongside the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and specialist cyber incident experts to secure data and restore critical services.
Impact on Residents and Services
The breach has affected a range of council systems. Phone lines have been impacted, and residents are being warned to expect delays in responses to enquiries and the delivery of various services. A spokesperson for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea stated that it is currently "too early" to determine if any personal data has been compromised or to identify the perpetrators behind the attack.
Official Investigations Underway
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has been formally informed of the incident, as is standard procedure for potential data breaches. The NCSC has confirmed it is aware of the situation and is actively working to understand the full scope and potential impact of this sophisticated cyber attack on local government services.
