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Redcar Council's Cyber-Attack: Ransom Declined, Services Disrupted

5/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In February 2020, Redcar and Cleveland Council faced a cyber-attack that disrupted IT systems and essential services.
Council leader Mary Lanigan declined to pay the ransom to safeguard public funds.
The attack hindered social services and communication with police and NHS, delaying support for vulnerable residents.
Recovery lasted months, with a return to paper systems; full service restoration occurred by early 2021.
Investigations connected the attack to the Russian Conti Group, recognized for notable ransomware incidents.

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Story summary

In February 2020, Redcar and Cleveland Council faced a cyber-attack that disrupted IT systems and essential services.
Council leader Mary Lanigan declined to pay the ransom to safeguard public funds.
The attack hindered social services and communication with police and NHS, delaying support for vulnerable residents.
Recovery lasted months, with a return to paper systems; full service restoration occurred by early 2021.
Investigations connected the attack to the Russian Conti Group, recognized for notable ransomware incidents.