Comhairle nan Eilean Siar IT services under 'significant disruption' after alleged cyber attack

A Scottish council is reportedly under a ransomware attack.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar took to social media platform X yesterday evening to say there had been a “significant disruption” to its IT system.

The Scottish Government is offering “professional advice” to help the local authority find the root cause of the incident.

Tech company Dell is also supporting the search to find the source of the issue, the BBC has reported.

The X thread continued, stating the authorities' priority was to “restore data” and to continue delivering services to locals “who need them the most”.

It also listed phone numbers for social care and work services and read: “Work is underway to redirect public phone numbers which will allow services to be contacted.

“We will update the public regularly on the progression of this work and provide details of any further impacts to service delivery.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said:

“Officers have received a report of a cyber incident in Stornoway. The incident was reported to police on Tuesday, 7 November, 2023. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Holyrood contacted the Western Isles council for comment and its response said:

"Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is engaging with Police Scotland, Scottish Government and the National Cyber Security Centre following a criminal cyber incident on 7 November.

"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."