UK police force hit by cyber attack as fears erupt of 'compromised' information

A police force in Wales has suffered a cyber attack, with fears that sensitive information relating to its staff may have been compromised. Dyfed-Powys Police said the attack, which was identified on September 14, had disrupted some of its non-emergency systems but there was no evidence that personal data belonging to members of the public had been accessed.

The force is investigating whether staff information was affected and has brought in cyber-security specialists to assist with its inquiries. A spokesperson said: "At this stage, our investigation has found no evidence that members of the public's personal data has been accessed or compromised as a result of this incident.

"We are, however, continuing to investigate whether any information relating to our staff may have been accessed or compromised, and are taking all appropriate steps to protect that information, and will provide appropriate advice to colleagues if required."

Online and email services were temporarily unavailable following the attack but have since been restored.

The force said it remained fully operational throughout the incident, with its response to emergencies and its 999 and 101 services unaffected.

The Information Commissioner's Office has been notified of the incident.

A spokesperson for the force added: "We understand the potential concern this may cause and want to reassure the public that we have and will continue to take all necessary steps to protect our information and maintain the security of our systems.

"We will provide further updates when we are in a position to do so."

The area served by Dyfed -Powys Police includes Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys, and equates to more than 500,000 people, a number that rises significantly with tourists each year.

EU Digital Services Act