Westminster City Council: Addressing Cyber Security Breaches and Ensuring Service Continuity Westminster City Council is actively addressing a recent cyber security breach, implementing robust measures to safeguard critical services. Our commitment to enhancing cyber resilience ensures that essential services remain operational and secure for our community. Key Initiatives: Proactive Cyber Security Measures: Strengthening our IT infrastructure to prevent future breaches and protect sensitive...
Topics covered
Following a recent cyber security incident that emerged on a Monday, Westminster City Council is actively working to protect its systems and mitigate the impact on services. The council prioritizes maintaining operations while ensuring support for vulnerable residents during this challenging period.
While many council functions remain operational, some disruptions may continue as efforts to isolate and secure IT infrastructure are underway. The primary objective is to deliver essential services while addressing the complications caused by the cyber attack.
Operational updates and emergency contacts
The council’s contact center is operational, and residents can report urgent issues through the following numbers: for general inquiries, call 020 7641 6000, and for housing-related emergencies, contact 0800 358 3783. Those wishing to make referrals regarding children’s services should dial 0207 641 4000 or visit the dedicated children’s social care webpage.
For adults requiring social care assistance, the contact number is 020 7641 2500.
Residents are encouraged to remain patient as the council navigates this crisis, and authorities extend their apologies for any inconvenience. Some delays in service responses may occur in the coming days, and the council appreciates the community’s understanding.
Collaboration with neighboring boroughs
Westminster City Council has partnered with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, along with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, to address the widespread effects of the cyber incident. These neighboring authorities share several IT systems and resources, necessitating a coordinated response to restore normalcy across all affected services.
Swift identification and ongoing investigation
The breach was identified promptly on the morning of November 24, leading to immediate action from both Westminster City Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. They engaged specialized cyber incident experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to strengthen protection measures for their systems and data. Together, they focus on recovering affected services while prioritizing community safety.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are actively examining whether any sensitive data has been compromised. This thorough examination is standard practice in such incidents, with IT teams working continuously to implement effective mitigations. The councils remain vigilant and prepared for any potential further incidents.
Future updates and community engagement
In the coming days, both councils will keep residents and partners informed about the evolving situation. While the full scope of the incident is still under investigation, reassurance is being provided that the situation is managed with utmost diligence. Communication with the Information Commissioner’s Office is also underway to ensure adherence to all protocols.
Residents are advised to direct inquiries regarding the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea or Hammersmith and Fulham directly to those councils, as Westminster City Council focuses on its incident response efforts.
As recovery progresses, the council remains committed to restoring all systems to full functionality as quickly as possible. Regular updates will be provided to keep the community informed about any changes in service availability.
