Title

DIGITAL

Council hit by suspected ransomware attack

St Helens BC has put in place extra security measures after a suspected ransomware attack on its IT systems and networks.

St Helens BC has put in place extra security measures after a suspected ransomware attack on its IT systems and networks.

The council said it immediately alerted its external cyber security contractor once the attack was identified last week and an investigation has been launched.

A spokesperson said: ‘Some internal systems to the council are currently being affected due to the actions we have put in place to prevent any further impact and while a full investigation is undertaken.

‘Please be reassured that together with our cyber security specialists we are working to resolve this incident, but obviously this is a very complex and evolving situation.'

DIGITAL

Company clusters: the key to success

By Vasant Chari | 20 March 2026

Backing high-growth potential businesses in the Black Country and elsewhere is vital for boosting regional economies, says Vasant Chari.

DIGITAL

The process for fiscal devolution is clear and the deadline is real

By Mike Emmerich | 20 March 2026

Mike Emmerich says that while much remains unresolved, the Chancellor’s proposition to give local leaders a direct fiscal stake in growth was a shift from rh...

DIGITAL

Public wi-fi's critical role

By Gavin Wheeldon | 19 March 2026

Digital inclusion is about giving people the infrastructure, skills and support they need to be able to use essential services, says Gavin Wheeldon.

DIGITAL

Counting the cost of rectifying exceptional financial support to councils

By David Blackman | 19 March 2026

The scale of the problems exceptional financial support is intended to tackle highlights the need for structural funding reform, say sector experts. David Bl...

Popular articles by William Eichler