Councils hit by cyber attack

Two councils in Northamptonshire have been hit by a cyber attack.

Wellingborough and East Northants councils had to take their systems down for 24 hours last week but say that no services to residents were hit.

It comes just weeks after both councils were given limited assurance by auditors on their IT security.

Councillors and staff have had to change their passwords in an effort to tighten security.

East Northamptonshire council provides a shared IT service to neighbouring Wellingborough Council.

East Northamptonshire's internal auditors LGSS said in its July audit report that the cyber security issues could have a major organisational impact.