Title

CRIME

Russian hackers accessed private data, council says

Gloucester City Council has warned residents that some personal information may have been stolen by Russian hackers.

Gloucester City Council has warned residents that some personal information may have been stolen by Russian hackers.

The Cyber attack in December 2021 damaged the council's network and online services.

An investigation by the council and cyber incident response experts concluded that while some personal information ‘may have been taken' criminals have not published anything and are unlikely to in the future.

Seven Russian cyber criminals have been sanctioned by the UK and US Government's in relation to this and other incidents.

Gloucester's managing director, Jon McGinty, said: ‘I share the annoyance of the public that we were targeted in this way; this criminal group targeted our council among other private and public sector organisations to disrupt our public services in an attempt to extort a ransom payment from the council.

‘I am sorry for any concern this announcement may cause residents and members of the public, but would like to emphasise this occurred in December 2021 and, based on advice received from our national law enforcement partners, the council believes it is unlikely that any information taken will be released in the future.'

CRIME

Supporting local leaders after a tumultuous election

By Sean Harriss | 27 May 2026

Sean Harriss looks at how senior council officers can best support an influx of thousands of newly-elected and inexperienced politicians.

CRIME

Managing councils without a majority

By Colin Mellors | 27 May 2026

Officials in councils with no overall political control will need to use high levels of political nous, personal acumen, trust and brokering skills over the ...

CRIME

Getting ready for 'game-changer' Cyber Security Act: Five steps for councils

By Peter Jones | 26 May 2026

Peter Jones identifies key steps for boards to deliver their action plans and enhanced security practices, to ensure compliance with the Cyber Security Act.

CRIME

Stay the course on a Total Place race

By Anna Randle | 26 May 2026

It’s time to seize the opportunity of Total Place 2.0 to help bring about the public services we want and need today, says Anna Randle.

Popular articles by William Eichler