St Helens Council Hit by Suspected Ransomware Attack: Assistance Sought, UK

St Helens Council in the UK has been hit by a suspected ransomware attack, prompting the involvement of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the police. The attack, which occurred on Monday, has now hindered the council’s operations for five days. External agencies such as the National Crime Agency and the government are also offering their support to tackle the cyber incident. The council is currently working to understand the full impact of the attack, and while details of the affected data have not been disclosed, certain measures put in place have caused disruptions for council staff. While some services have been impacted, specific information has not been provided. The council has been cautious in releasing details to the public due to the sensitivity of the situation. Protective and preventative measures have been implemented to protect services, but this has led to some disruption. The council’s website remains available, but access to certain services may be disrupted over the weekend. Residents are urged to stay vigilant online and be aware of any communications they receive from the council. The council will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. The NCSC is collaborating with St Helens Borough Council to fully assess the impact of the cyber incident.