Personal Data Breach Hits Greater Manchester Police
In a recent cybersecurity incident, personal information belonging to thousands of police officers and staff from Greater Manchester Police has been compromised. This alarming breach marks the second cyberattack targeting a prominent British police force in less than a month.
The breach occurred when a company responsible for producing identity cards fell victim to a ransomware attack, resulting in the theft of sensitive data, including details found on identity badges and warrant cards. This data encompassed names, photos, identity numbers, and police collar numbers. However, reassuringly, the breach did not compromise officers’ home addresses or any financial information.
Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is being treated extremely seriously, with a nationally led criminal investigation into the attack.” Leading the charge in the investigation is Britain’s National Crime Agency.
The Federation Steps In
The Greater Manchester Police Federation, representing the officers in the region, is actively collaborating with the police force to mitigate the potential fallout of this breach. Mike Peake, chair of the Greater Manchester Police Federation, emphasized the significance of this incident: “Our colleagues are undertaking some of the most difficult and dangerous roles imaginable to catch criminals and keep the public safe. To have any personal details potentially leaked out into the public domain in this manner — for all to possibly see — will understandably cause many officers concern and anxiety.”
A Troubling Trend
This breach is part of a concerning trend, with another major British police force falling victim to a cyberattack less than a month ago. London’s Metropolitan Police faced a similar security breach involving one of its suppliers, which was also referred to the National Crime Agency for investigation.
Moreover, an incident in July raised further alarms when the Police Service of Northern Ireland inadvertently exposed personal information of over 10,000 officers and staff in response to a freedom of information request. Authorities now fear that this information may have fallen into the hands of Irish Republican Army dissidents who continue to pose a threat, even 25 years after Northern Ireland’s peace accord.
In the wake of these security breaches, protecting the personal data of those who serve to keep the public safe remains an urgent priority for law enforcement agencies across the United Kingdom.