Pro Russian Hackers attack UK Councils during Budget

Russian Hacking Group attacks UK councils during 2024 budget over Ukraine support

Today, we have learned from those in the IT security sector that several UK councils are currently under attack from pro-Russian hackers. This includes Blackburn, Lewes, Medway, Cardiff, Dudley, and many others. These attacks are ongoing, and currently, the websites of many of these councils are offline.

A pro-Russian hacking group called “Noname05716” has claimed responsibility for the cyber-attacks on UK Councils. The group calls the UK “Russophobic” over the nation’s support for Ukraine since Russia’s invasion of the country in 2022. The group was formed in the aftermath of the invasion and has been involved in several UK-focused DDoS and hacking efforts in recent months. Previously, the group targetted Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Salford, Bury, Trafford, and Tameside, as reported by the Express.

On October 22nd, Keir Starmer, the UK’s Prime Minister, announced £120 million in additional support to protect Ukrainian ports. Since then, pro-Russian hackers have been attacking UK targets with increased interest.

The timing of today’s attacks is noteworthy, as the government’s budget has no doubt drawn the attention of the UK’s local councils. This may have left them more susceptible to attack and less responsive to these threats. The budget can potentially force significant changes on local councils and drastically alter their funding, making it an event that local governments watch with interest. Has this left these organisations more susceptible to attack? Possibly. Regardless, these hackers have the UK in their sights.

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