Summary
In February 2020, a cyber-attack hit Redcar and Cleveland Council's computer network in England, causing major disruption to services like social care and waste collection. Hackers locked staff out of their systems, and the attack took weeks to manage. Experts from the National Cyber Safety Centre (NCSC) were involved to help restore services.
Key Facts
- The cyber-attack occurred in February 2020 and affected Redcar and Cleveland Council in England.
- The attack was caused by a virus hidden in an email attachment that spread through the council's computer network.
- Hackers demanded payment (a ransom) to unlock the council's IT systems.
- Services disrupted included social services, bin collections, and sharing information with police and the NHS.
- By Monday, February 10, IT staff were trying to fix the damage by isolating infected computers.
- The National Cyber Safety Centre (NCSC) assisted in managing the crisis.
- The former council leader, Mary Lanigan, stated the attack was "devastating" for everyone involved.
