‘RUSSIAN HACKERS’ ATTACK COUNCIL
CYBER THIEVES ATTEMPT TO STEAL BOROUGH RESIDENTS’ DATA
CYBER thieves believed to be from Russia have attempted to hack into Broxtowe Borough Council’s computer systems to steal personal information.
Councillor Milan Radulovic, leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, said local authorities are being targeted on an “almost daily basis” during the pandemic.
Thieves attempted to hack into the council’s system which includes residents’ personal information such as Council Tax details.
But the system’s firewall held them off and no personal details were compromised.
The council’s systems were down on Wednesday, February 3 and most of Thursday, February 4.
It is understood the attack came from Russia.
Councillor Radulovic told the Post: “There was an attempted hack on Broxtowe Borough Council but the firewall held it off.
“We think they were trying to get into the system. The system was down on Wednesday and most of Thursday while we were sorting it out.
“No-one’s details were compromised and they did not get in.
“It is an issue for every local authority, almost daily.
“We are constantly updating and upgrading systems and police are taking it seriously.
“I believe there should be far more consequences for those who are trying to steal people’s details. I think they are too lenient and they are difficult to track.
“There need to be more resources put into this at a local and national level. It is cyber fraud.
“Local authorities seem to be fighting off constant attacks on an almost daily basis.
“I think it has got worse in Covid times because of some of the methods used are very current to the situation.”
The Post contacted the Serious Fraud Office, who said they could “neither confirm nor deny interest in this matter”’
The Office says it only takes on a small number of large economic crime cases and the above case would not appear to meet these criteria.