The total cost of restoring systems following a cyber attack could cost the Western Isles local authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar £500,000. A suspected ransomware attack in November caused significant disruption to IT systems at the local authority.
The impact led to some bills, including council tax, being delayed. Malcolm Burr, the council’s chief executive, said progress was being made, however, it could be another six months before things were back to normal.
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Source: BBC News
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