How Local Governments Became the New Frontline in Cybersecurity
In recent years, the digital environment for regional councils
across the United Kingdom has dramatically shifted, transforming from a
relatively quiet administrative arena into a high-stakes battleground. This
change has been underscored by a staggering 388% surge in cyber data breaches
among UK local governments over the past three years. With over 12,700
incidents logged across just 24 metropolitan councils, it is clear that local
authorities are struggling to keep pace with the escalating frequency and
sophistication of cyber threats (The
experiences and impacts of ransomware attacks on individuals and organisations).
The Hardest Hit: Regional
Targets
Among the most severely affected are councils in Sheffield,
Manchester, Portsmouth, and Wakefield. Sheffield City Council, for instance,
has reported 1,512 breaches including 26 significant cyber security incidents
since 2022. Each incident is more than a number: they represent real
disruptions to public services, erosion of public trust, and serve as urgent
warnings to councils still operating on outdated and vulnerable digital
infrastructure.
Recent Attacks Making
Headlines
The increasing severity of these attacks has become national news.
In June 2025, Glasgow City Council became one of the latest high-profile
victims, hit by a major cyber attack that crippled essential services such as
certificate requests, parking payments, and Freedom of Information submissions.
Three weeks after the incident, the council was still working to restore some
of its online services, closely collaborating with Police Scotland and the
National Cyber Security Centre to repair systems and reassure residents (Some Glasgow
City Council services still down three weeks after cyber attack).
In May 2025, West Lothian Council was targeted by a notably
“sophisticated” ransomware attack, prompting extensive forensic investigations
and resulting in notable disruption to public services. Meanwhile, Oxford City
Council revealed that a breach had compromised 21 years’ worth of election
worker data, starkly highlighting the long-term risk posed by insecure legacy
systems (Attack on
Oxford City Council exposes 21 years of election worker data)
Sector-Wide Weaknesses
Revealed
The depth of the crisis is further illuminated by figures from
UKTN (UK councils
face data breaches in the thousands), reporting that in just a
single year, more than 2,400 suspected breaches occurred among only 27
councils. Surrey County Council topped this concerning list, with 634 incidents
in one year alone an indication of vulnerabilities that span the length and
breadth of the country.
A Home Office research study (The
experiences and impacts of ransomware attacks on individuals and organisations) revealed
that most councils remain dangerously underprepared for cyber incidents, with
many still lacking robust business continuity plans or even basic cyber
insurance coverage. These gaps leave public services dangerously exposed to
attacks that are growing not just in number but also in complexity and cost.
Government Response and the
Path Forward
A Freedom of Information investigation by Apricorn in 2024 further
exposed the mounting pressure on local authorities, revealing that 27 UK
councils together suffered over 2,400 suspected data breaches (UK councils
face data breaches in the thousands). The twin burdens of legacy
systems and tight budgets have left many councils especially vulnerable. In
response, the Local Government Association has identified ransomware as the
most significant risk facing councils today and is advocating for stronger
legislation and improved support structures to help local governments build
cyber resilience.
Conclusion
As cyber attackers continue to evolve and exploit the weaknesses
in local government systems, the stakes for safeguarding public data and
essential services have never been higher. For regional councils, cybersecurity
must now be elevated to a top priority not just as a technical necessity, but
as a fundamental pillar of public trust and effective governance. The lesson is
clear: in a world where data is of paramount value, vigilance and proactive
defence must become a shared responsibility for all.
Comments
Post a Comment