Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has fallen victim to a cyber attack that has put the sensitive information of more than 20,000 individuals, including police officers, potentially at risk. The breach, which occurred following a ransomware attack on a Stockport-based firm responsible for producing ID cards for GMP, has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community.
Chief Resource Officer Lee Rawlinson, explained that while the compromised information did not include financial or highly specific details, it did contain the names and, in some cases, photo identifications of officers. This has led GMP to take the matter very seriously, given the implications for personal security and privacy.
The data breach at Digital ID, a company that holds information on various organisations across the UK, has triggered investigations by relevant authorities. The breach’s ripple effect has extended to other organisations, notably the Metropolitan Police in London, highlighting the extent of the problem.
The breach is part of a broader national issue, affecting several police forces and government departments throughout the country. While it is suggested that over 20,000 details were potentially at risk, it is crucial to note that the exact extent of the breach is still under investigation, leaving many questions unanswered.
GMP has taken swift action in response to this incident, reaching out to the Information Commissioner to ensure a thorough investigation and response. The force has been working diligently to notify those potentially affected, and while it was initially unclear whether the “20,000-plus” figure pertained specifically to GMP, the force refrained from confirming the exact number of officers impacted at this stage.
The breach notification was disseminated to approximately 12,000 police officers and civilian staff within GMP, notifying them of the incident that occurred at Digital ID. As this situation unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in an increasingly interconnected and digital world.
The protection of sensitive information is of paramount importance, and the investigation into this cyber attack will undoubtedly lead to a reevaluation of security protocols, not only for Greater Manchester Police but also for organisations nationwide.
In light of the recent cyber breach affecting Greater Manchester Police, Elizabeth Baxter, Head of Cyber Investigations at the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has expressed her concern and commitment to ensuring data security. She stated, ” Organizations must look after employee information, particularly in sectors where the impact of a data breach could be greater.”
