Cyber Attack on Housing Software Leaves Manchester Residents at Risk of Data Theft

In a troubling development, thousands of residents in Greater Manchester are facing potential vulnerabilities following a cyber attack on Locata, a company that provides housing software for local councils across the UK. The firm has issued an apology for the disruption caused by the breach, which has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of personal data. Locata has stated that it is working diligently with third-party IT specialists to investigate the incident and manage its aftermath. “We moved quickly to manage the issue and, working with third-party IT experts, are investigating the matter,” a spokesperson for Locata said. While the company has reached out to the affected local authorities, it has not yet determined the full scope of the data breach. Local councils, including Manchester City Council, Bolton, and Salford, have acknowledged the attack. A spokesperson for Manchester City Council noted that only the public-facing section of its website, Manchester Move, was impacted, resulting in the breach of "limited personal data." Bolton Council, however, has issued a warning to residents who may have received phishing emails. They advised anyone who clicked on any suspicious links or shared personal information to act promptly, directing them to the UK National Cyber Security Centre for guidance. Salford Council also confirmed that it was affected by the breach and urged residents to be vigilant. A spokesperson mentioned that the extent of personal data exposure could not be confirmed by Locata at this stage. In light of these developments, the council is encouraging residents to closely monitor their bank accounts for any unusual activity. If any financial losses occur, residents are advised to contact Action Fraud immediately. Furthermore, the council has recommended that individuals change their passwords, especially if they use the same credentials across multiple accounts, and consider signing up for a free credit report to keep a closer watch on their financial health. As investigations continue and more information becomes available, local authorities are striving to ensure that residents understand the risks and take necessary precautions. The incident underscores the growing threat of cyber crime, particularly for systems that hold sensitive personal data, and highlights the importance of vigilance in the digital age.