On Wednesday, three London councils responded to a significant cyberattack, forcing them to shut down networks and phone lines. Emergency plans were immediately activated to protect data and maintain essential public services.
The councils affected include Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, and Hammersmith & Fulham. Kensington and Westminster share a joint IT system, and their officials confirmed that their priorities are to restore systems, secure data, and ensure critical services remain operational.
Westminster City Council oversees key landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and 10 Downing Street. Security expert Kevin Beaumont identified the cyberattack as a ransomware incident at a shared IT services provider used by all three London councils.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council also reported being affected. The authorities have not disclosed the type of cyberattack or attributed it to any hacking group. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether sensitive resident data was accessed or stolen.
The councils have notified the UK Information Commissioner’s Office as legally required. Hammersmith & Fulham advised staff to avoid clicking links from Kensington and Westminster colleagues “until further notice,” indicating potential account compromises. Hackney Council also issued a warning to staff about phishing threats, following intelligence that multiple London councils were targeted.
Kensington Council confirmed that the cause of the cyberattack has been established, but further details remain undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation in collaboration with UK law enforcement.
Officials assured residents that essential services such as housing, social care, and waste collection are being prioritized. The cyberattack on these three London councils highlights the growing threat of ransomware and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures across public sector organizations.
Authorities are urging staff and residents to remain vigilant against suspicious emails and online activity while the investigation continues.
This incident marks another reminder of the importance of robust IT security in local government, especially for councils handling sensitive public information and critical infrastructure.
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