Terry A’Hearn, Sepa’s chief executive, said: “It was clear once we worked with other partners that the right thing to do was not to pay the ransom. Not currently. Threat actors have locked agency's emails and contact centers and are demanding a ransom to unlock them. “That had some implications, but I just think the idea of using public money to pay the criminals a ransom is not an easy thing to do.”. Cyber security advice for businesses, charities and critical national infrastructure with more than 250 employees. Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said its digital systems have been severely affected by a ransomware attack since Christmas Eve. Should we need to notify anyone whose information is impacted, we will do so as soon as possible in accordance with UK data protection law. 18 Officials at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) have warned a cyber-attack that led to the theft of thousands of confidential documents and … Whilst Police Scotland has indicated the likely involvement of international serious and organised crime, SEPA has been clear that it will not engage with criminals intent on disrupting public services and extorting public funds. This includes £458,000 on stabilising the watchdog’s business IT platform. We've said that whilst for the time being we’ve lost access to most of our systems, what we haven't lost is the knowledge, skills and experience of our twelve-hundred expert staff. The Conti ransomware gang has published a number of files stolen from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) in an attack on Christmas Eve, as the agency … Certain systems have been "isolated" but SEPA warned that security experts working with the Scottish government, Police Scotland and the National Cyber Security Centre "confirm we remain subject to an ongoing ransomware attack likely to be by international serious and organised cyber-crime groups intent on disrupting public services and extorting public funds." The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has been targeted in a cyberattack. Some of the information that’s been published was already publicly available, whilst some of that information was not. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency says it is being subjected to a "significant and ongoing cyber attack". You may wish to read guidance on practical steps to protect your data. The information that was published online may include some personal data of our staff, of our customers, and of the people with whom we work. Cyber security advice for businesses, charities, clubs and schools with up to 250 employees. Providing priority services to individuals and businesses across Scotland. In addition, our approach will continue to prioritise supporting Scotland's recovery. Through their work we've adapted and continue to provide priority regulatory, monitoring, flood forecasting and warning services. The majority of the watchdog’s key services, including flooding forecasts, have now been restored but it will be next April before there is a full recovery from the cyber attack. A ransomware attack that took place on SEPA aka Scottish Environmental Protection Agency on the Christmas eve of last year is said to said to be showing -ve repercussions as hackers have leaked the stolen data on the previous note. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has confirmed it is still working to resolve a significant cyberattack … Cyber-Attack: Service Status SEPA is committed to supporting regulated businesses during COVID-19 and following EU Exit. We are working quickly to assess the information that was published online. Figures released to BBC Scotland under freedom of information laws show £790,000 has been spent on Sepa’s response and recovery actions so far. Call SEPA's 24 Hour Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has been targeted in a cyberattack. The agency previously confirmed the theft of around 1.2 GB of data or around 4,000 files. We have disconnected our IT systems to avoid any further unauthorised access. Our priority is to identify the information that is personal data and/or commercially sensitive. As part of a phased rollout, an increasing number of employess are now gaining access to SEPA email addresses. Cybercriminals struck in early hours of Christmas Eve Organisation says that no public funds will be used to pay ransom The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has confirmed that it is continuing to respond to an ongoing ransomware attack that has encrypted files, disrupted systems and seen 1.2 GB of data stolen by cybercriminals. The public body … Please don't assume that any emails that you have sent to us since Christmas Eve (and in the period leading up to this) are currently being actioned. Around … If Scottish Environment Protection Agency targeted in cyberattack had a breach of consumer data or a data leak, then there may be additional actions that our clients should accept to protect their digital identity. Control of major accident hazards (COMAH), Approach to the delivery of service until June 2021, Cyber attack - what is affected and how to contact us, Private sewage treatment/septic tank guidance, Stolen Data: What you need to know and do, Approach to the Delivery of Services until June 2021. © DC Thomson Co Ltd 2021. Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica. Cyber-attack & data theft: Our response & … Consultation hub of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Everyday SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland's environment, helping communities and businesses thrive within the resources of our planet. Following the attack, we immediately enacted our business continuity arrangements and took immediate action to limit the impact of the cyber-attack, notifying relevant … A stolen tranche of 1.2GB of data from SEPA has been revealed on a hidden hackers’ site as part of a sophisticated ransomware attack which downed SEPA systems on Christmas Eve. 9 these days – but Celtic just might be looking for two, Sir Kenny Dalglish: If having Old Firm in the Premier League nears reality, we must avoid ESL error and get the fans’ support, Liverpool collapse is a timely warning for all-conquering Rangers, says Pat Bonner, Boris Johnson under pressure over cash for Downing Street flat refurbishment, Dundee United striker Lawrence Shankland will never give up the fight to be part of Clarke’s Euros plans. We'll update our service status on a weekly basis so that we’ve clear on what those we work with can expect and how we'll prioritise progress. We learned that 1.2 GB of data (information) amounting to just over 4,000 files had been stolen from us. We’re working hard to assess the large amount of information that was published online. A major cyber attack suspected to be linked to Russia has cost Scotland’s environmental watchdog almost £800,000. The agency was subjected to a significant cyberattack in the early hours of Christmas Eve, its executive director confirmed. This may include unexpected emails or phone calls from unknown sources. Let us know concerns about data using the. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency confirmed on Thursday that some of its contact center, internal systems, processes and internal communications were affected following a … ... A sophisticated criminal cyber-attack has had a major impact on the way SEPA works. Can you tell me if my personal data is affected? While the attack continues to significantly impact the agency and our infrastructure, we’ve set out two clear external priorities: Our approach continues to be to take the best professional advice from multi-agency partners, including Police Scotland and cyber security experts, with the multi-agency response focused on eradication, remediation and recovery. More than 4,000 confidential business files belonging to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have been illegally posted on the dark web by cyber criminals. If you cannot access the form and need support completing this, please contact us on 01698 839 022 (Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm). A ransomware and data theft cyberattack on Scotland’s environmental agency is continuing to blight operations almost a month since it was targeted by online criminals. There are links to guidance below: If you have specific enquiries about this, please complete the online form. Following the attack, we immediately enacted our business continuity arrangements and took immediate action to limit the impact of the cyber-attack, notifying relevant authorities, including Scottish Government, Police Scotland, the National Cyber Security Centre and the Information Commissioner’s Office (‘ICO’) with whom we continue to work. As email is restored, staff will have a significant volume of information and emails to manage against the backdrop of continued limitations due to the impacts of the cyber-attack and COVID-19. You can continue to contact us noting there will be a delay in response. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) confirmed it was continuing to respond to an ongoing ransomware attack, probably by international serious and organised cyber … If you have not progressed your enquiry via another route in the interim, please keep checking this Service Status update, which includes information on the services we are currently able to deliver. ... Officials at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) have warned a cyber-attack that led to the theft of thousands of confidential documents and shut down key operations has still not ended. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, protecting and improving Scotland’s environment. What is SEPA doing to protect personal data? Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said its digital systems have been severely affected by a ransomware attack since Christmas Eve. Cyberattack still ongoing at Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency first confirmed on Christmas Eve 2020 that it was responding to a significant cyber-attack affecting its contact centre, internal systems, processes and communications after learning that 1.2 GB of data (information) had been stolen by an international cyber-crime group. We're working hard to clear our backlog of emails, but it will take us time. Get a weekly round-up of stories from The Sunday Post: Thank you for signing up to our Sunday Post newsletter. Cyber attack on Scottish Environment Protection Agency costs taxpayer £800,000 - Flipboard Whilst SEPA remains impacted by a complex and sophisticated cyber-attack the organisation continues to maintain protections for Scotland’s environment, communities and our people. Data protection law includes the Data Protection Act 2018, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), specifically Articles 33 and 34 of GDPR. Analysis by Israeli cyber intelligence firm Kela found the attack was carried out by ransomware group Conti which may be controlled by hacking entity Wizard Spider, which in turn has alleged links to Russian organised crime. ⚠️ SEPA Chief Executive @TerryAHearn spoke this morning to @BBCScotlandNews @mmgeissler about the ongoing ransomware attack Unfortunately, we’re unable to take down the information that is already online. Cyber criminals have published more than 4,000 files belonging to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Cyber attack. Call SEPA's 24 Hour Floodline on 0345 988 1188. by Kevin O'Sullivan / January 20, 2021/ Cyber, News / No Comments /. The organisation reiterated that it will not engage with criminals intent on disrupting public services and extorting public funds. Police Scotland said international serious and organised crime gangs were likely to be behind the hack. Scottish Business Resillience Centre helpline for Scottish organisations in the event of a cyber-attack, Cybercrime Harm Prevention Guidance from Police Scotland, Report pollution or environmental incidents, EU Exit & Coronavirus Regulatory Approach information, The Financial Conduct Authority provides guidance, Police Scotland provides guidance on cybercrime prevention. The matter is subject to a live criminal investigation. On 21 January 2021 we learned that the information stolen from us had been published online illegally. Data stolen from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) in a “sophisticated” cyber attack has been illegally published online. Personal data is information that relates to an individual. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) today (21 January 2021) provided a further update on the ongoing ransomware cyber-attack which has significantly impacted the organisation since Christmas Eve. A ransom was demanded by the criminals but Sepa refused to pay and the files were published online. Cyber-attack & data theft: Our response & service status. As a precaution, we’re encouraging stakeholders to follow every-day information security guidance and be mindful of any suspicious activity. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has been targeted in a cyberattack. sundaypost.com - A major cyber attack suspected to be linked to Russia has cost Scotland’s environmental watchdog almost £800,000. Meanwhile, a cyber attack in the US has targeted around 300 universities, government institutions and private companies. The restoration of SEPA emails will be phased and not all colleagues have access to our systems. Hackers managed to pinch more than 4,000 digital files belonging to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) on Christmas Eve. Threat actors have locked agency’s emails and contact centers and are demanding a ransom to unlock them. Shops hoping for just another manic Monday as lockdown relaxes again, Fundraising campaign aims to build memorial to Scotland star Andrew Watson, the world’s first black international footballer, In pictures: Bullets, scooter and a safe among the treasures found as magnet fishers return to Edinburgh canal, The toad best-travelled: Scientists hope to find amphibians have been hopping far and wide to find love during Covid, Helensburgh death: Man charged as young woman dies after being dragged from water at pier, Britain blames ‘malign’ Russian spies for major cyber attack on the West, Businesses warned of hidden cyber attacks as number of reported breaches falls, Free tool offering personalised cyber security tips launched by Government, Scott McDonald: It’s hard enough to find one proper No. Cyber criminals who stole thousands of digital files belonging to environmental regulator Sepa have published them on the internet. All Rights Reserved. SEPA will not engage with likely international serious and organised criminals intent on disrupting public services and extorting public funds. We recognise that this news will cause concern, and we’re very sorry that this has happened. Something went wrong - please try again later. “The attack is impacting our contact centre, internal systems, processes and internal communications. On Christmas Eve, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) was subject to a serious and complex cyber-attack which has significantly impacted our contact centre, internal systems, processes and communications. According to the statement released by SEPA on January 14th,2021, it is suspected that the […] The ICO website explains this in more detail. Online pollution and enquiry reporting has been restored, but our email systems, staff schedules, some data products and reporting tools remain impacted and offline. Almost a month on from the initial attack, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's (SEPA) systems remain offline - and data stolen from the organisation has been published by hackers. On Christmas Eve, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency confirmed that it was responding to a significant cyber-attack affecting its contact centre, internal systems, processes and communications. Scottish Environment Protection Agency Subject of ‘Significant Cyber Attack’ The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has been targeted in a cyberattack. A major cyber attack suspected to be linked to Russia has cost Scotland’s environmental watchdog almost £800,000. Since the cyber-attack on, 24 December 2020, Christmas Eve we’ve been working closely with Police Scotland, the National Cyber Security Centre and specialist cyber experts to determine the nature and scope of the attack. On Christmas Eve, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) was subject to a serious and complex cyber-attack which has significantly impacted our contact centre, internal systems, processes and communications. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) today (14 January 2021) confirmed it was continuing to respond to an ongoing ransomware attack likely to be by international serious and organised cyber-crime groups. While some systems and services may be badly affected for some time, step-by-step we're working to assess and consider how we recover. Scottish environment agency still struggling against cyber-attack. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has been dealing with an ongoing data breach and ransomware attack since Christmas Eve 2020. 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