Thousands Rocked: Mystery Cyber Attack Grips Greater Manchester, Perpetrators Unknown
Investigations into a cyber attack on L&Q Housing, which impacted thousands of Greater Manchester residents, have yet to identify the perpetrators. While critical online services remain offline, the housing provider is implementing enhanced security measures and restoring its website cautiously, assuring residents that no malicious use of accessed data has been reported.
An ongoing investigation into a significant cyber attack that affected L&Q Housing has yet to identify those responsible, leaving thousands of Greater Manchester residents impacted. The housing provider, with offices in Old Trafford, experienced a system breach by hackers at the end of September. This incident led to the unauthorized access of emails and webforms belonging to approximately 12,000 residents, prompting a comprehensive internal investigation.
Despite the extensive probe, an update provided to residents on Tuesday, October 27, revealed that investigations have not "yet provided any indication of who might have been responsible." L&Q Housing has also reassured residents that there have been "no reports of anyone attempting to use the information accessed maliciously" and no further unauthorized attempts to access their systems have been detected. The company previously stated its belief that the incident was limited to online contacts, with systems containing residents’ personal details, financial information, data about homes and tenancies, as well as supplier and partner information, remaining secure.
Following the attack, much of L&Q’s online services were temporarily taken offline to ensure a safe and secure restoration. While "basic information pages" have since been brought back online, critical functionalities such as online payment tools and enquiry forms are not yet available. L&Q anticipates reintroducing these services "over the coming weeks" after conducting thorough security testing. To bolster its defenses, the company is implementing "enhanced security measures," including robust cyber-security monitoring, with additional support from independent online security specialists.
In response to the incident, L&Q has issued crucial advice to residents to safeguard themselves. They are urged not to disclose bank details to anyone claiming to be from L&Q, as the company's teams would never request identity confirmation through such details. Residents should also refuse entry to anyone without a prior appointment and are advised to contact the L&Q contact centre if they have any doubts about the legitimacy of an appointment or phone call. Furthermore, opening links and attachments from unknown senders is strongly discouraged.
Fiona Fletcher-Smith, Chief Executive at L&Q, reiterated the company's commitment, stating, "Our priority is making sure both residents and L&Q’s wider systems are safe and protected, so we are restoring the website in a careful, step-by-step way, and we intend to reintroduce wider functionality as soon as we can, following further security testing." She extended apologies for any concern or inconvenience caused and thanked residents for their patience as L&Q works towards a full and safe restoration of its online services. L&Q manages a significant portfolio of affordable homes across Trafford, London, the south east, and the wider north west.