The service head at Stockton Council says the authority faces a ‘constant and increasingly sophisticated’ cyber‑attack. Speaking at a recent forum, they described the threat as a relentless background noise, highlighting the growing digital risk for public bodies across the UK.
These attacks jeopardize resident data and vital council services such as housing and planning permits. The council reports a surge in ransomware and credential‑stealing malware, forcing IT teams to shift resources from routine work to emergency response, draining budgets and eroding public trust.
In response, Stockton Council is pouring money into advanced threat detection, zero‑trust architecture, and staff cyber‑awareness training. The service boss stressed continuous monitoring and rapid incident‑response capabilities, labeling the threat a “new normal” that requires proactive defenses and close partnership with national cyber agencies. They also plan to conduct regular penetration testing and share threat intelligence with neighboring councils to stay ahead of evolving attack vectors.
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