A criminal cyber attack has caused significant disruption to IT systems at the Western Isles local authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
The comhairle is engaging with Police Scotland, Scottish Government and the National Cyber Security Centre following “a criminal cyber incident” on November 7.
The Comhairle’s priority following this incident is to restore and secure services ensuring their continued delivery to those in our communities who need them most.
It is vital that the Comhairle is contactable to allow us to serve the communities of the Western Isles. The Comhairle’s email system is now restored, and work is ongoing to redirect numbers for key public services.
The Comhairle’s out of hours service is functioning as normal.
Temporary Phone Numbers for Social Care and Social Work Services
Taigh Shiphoirt & Bremner Court: 07768236573
Harris House: 01859 502194 or 07970907715 or 07866915384
Trianaid: 07903212541.
TACUN: 9am-5pm – 01878 700860 and out of hours – 07773624546
Barra: 07866915478
Care at Home: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm 01851 705755 and Out of Hours (Faire) – 01851 701702
OT Community Services: 01851 708287
Children and Adult Social Work Services: 9am-5:15pm Mon-Fri – 01851 822708 and Out of Hours (Faire) – 01851 701702
Ardseileach housing support: 01851 704113
Ardseileach Care Home: 07970262486
Following the suspected ransomware attack, the chief of Scotland’s Cyber and Fraud Centre, Jude McCorry, said: “Data breaches can be caused by many factors, and one of the most common causes is cyber attack.
“This impacts organisations large and small, as well as affecting individuals. If any organisations in Scotland need support to mitigate the impacts of an attack, our free Incident Response helpline is available on 0800 167 0623.
“If you are concerned your organisation has been the victim of a cyber attack or data breach, please ensure that you report the incident to Police Scotland on 101. You can also call our free helpline, and our team will provide expert guidance to help you resume operations.
“If you are an individual and think your data may have been stolen in a data breach, you can take some simple steps to mitigate the impact such as being alert to phishing attacks, safeguarding other online accounts and monitoring your bank account for suspicious activity.
“Organisations concerned about their security, in general, can also get in touch to confirm they have the right processes in place. There is also a wide range of resources available on our website and via CyberScotland, as well as free training that can help your organisation protect itself against future cyber attacks.”