Why Are Local Councils So Regularly The Victims Of Cyber Attacks? 

In recent years, local councils in the United Kingdom have found themselves in the crosshairs of cyber criminals, facing a surge in cyber attacks that threaten the security and confidentiality of sensitive data. This alarming trend raises the question: why are local councils in the UK so regularly targeted in cyber attacks? This article explores the various factors contributing to the vulnerability of local councils and sheds light on the challenges they face in safeguarding against cyber threats. 

Sensitivity of Data: 

Local councils handle a vast amount of sensitive information, ranging from personal details of residents to financial records and public service data. This treasure trove of data makes them an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit and monetize personal information. The potential for financial gain or other malicious motives provides a strong incentive for hackers to target local councils. 

Limited Resources: 

Unlike larger government entities or private corporations, local councils often operate with limited resources, both in terms of finances and cyber security expertise. The constrained budgets and smaller IT teams make it challenging for councils to implement robust cybersecurity measures. This resource gap leaves them susceptible to attacks, as they may lack the expertise and infrastructure necessary to fend off sophisticated cyber threats effectively. 

Outdated Infrastructure: 

Many local councils still rely on outdated IT infrastructure and legacy systems, which may not have received regular updates or patches. Ageing technology can be more susceptible to vulnerabilities, as security flaws discovered in older systems may not be promptly addressed. The lack of modernisation in technology infrastructure increases the risk of successful cyber attacks. 

Insufficient Training and Awareness: 

Inadequate cyber security training and awareness among council employees contribute significantly to their vulnerability. Human error remains a prevalent factor in cyber attacks, with phishing and social engineering tactics often successfully exploiting unsuspecting staff members. A lack of awareness and training on cybersecurity best practices can result in inadvertent data breaches. 

Decentralised Nature of Operations: 

Local councils are often spread across various departments and locations, leading to a decentralised nature of operations. This fragmentation makes it challenging to implement a unified and cohesive cybersecurity strategy. Each department may have its own IT systems and protocols, creating potential weak points that cyber criminals can exploit. 

Political Motivations: 

Local councils play a crucial role in the delivery of public services, and disrupting their operations can have significant political implications. Cyber attacks on councils may not only aim at financial gains but also serve as a means of causing public disruption or influencing political decisions. The political nature of local governance can make these entities attractive targets for those seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for broader impact. 

In summary, the increasing frequency of cyber attacks on local councils in the UK underscores the urgent need for comprehensive cyber security measures. It is imperative for councils to invest in modernising their IT infrastructure, embracing the opportunities in cloud, getting ahead of adversarial planning of their attacks and establishing a roadmap for greater maturity and compliance. As technology continues to evolve, local councils must adapt to the evolving threat landscape to safeguard the sensitive data entrusted to them and ensure the continued smooth delivery of essential public services.  If you work in this space and are unsure where to start in addressing your cyber resilience, protecting those who depend on your services, contact Amicis Group here or arrange a 15 minute call with one of our team here, to understand how we are helping others in this space.