Western Isles Council's email system 'fully functional' following suspected ransomware attack

A council’s email system is now fully functional following a suspected ransomware attack which disrupted communications.

On Tuesday, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) suffered a suspected cyber attack.

The website was shut down and the local authority said that it was “uncertain” of the extent of the damage caused by the attack.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar revealed on Friday that their email system is now functional and members of the public will be able to contact council officers.

However, the number for the local authority is still unavailable – and parents and carers have been issued temporary numbers for schools and general enquiries.

Work remains ongoing on a temporary website which will provide key information to the public.

The council are continuing to work with the Scottish Government to establish the cause of the issue and identify actions.

A statement read: “Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has implemented public communication solutions following Tuesday’s Criminal Cyber Incident.

“Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s email system is now fully functional and members of the public should be able to reach Comhairle officers by email.

“The Comhairle’s customer service number is still unavailable, any individual who is looking to contact the Comhairle with general enquiries should contact Faire on: 01851 701702. General enquiries can also be directed by email on: enquiries@cne-siar.gov.uk.

“Parents and carers have been contacted with temporary numbers for schools and general enquiries relating to education can be directed to Stornoway (Lewis & Harris enquiries): 07813396125 or Lionacleit (Uist & Barra enquiries): 07811712212.

“Progress is continuing on the development of a temporary website which will allow key information to be accessed by the public.

“The Comhairle’s out of hours system is continuing to function as normal.”