Third party supplier ransomware exposes Manchester Police officers

A cyberattack targeting a third-party supplier has compromised the personal information of an undisclosed number of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers.

The affected firm, located in Stockport near Manchester, UK, manufactures identification cards for various organizations, including GMP. As a result, it holds sensitive details about GMP staff, with concerns arising about the exposure of identities, especially those working undercover or in sensitive areas such as surveillance and intelligence.

GMP acknowledged the severity of the incident and stressed that they are treating it extremely seriously. The attack has prompted a nationally led criminal investigation, and GMP has reported the ransomware attack to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for appropriate actions.

At this point, GMP does not believe the breached data includes financial information. However, the exact nature and extent of the compromised information remain undisclosed. GMP assures employees that efforts are underway to understand the impact on GMP and to keep them informed, address their queries, and provide necessary support.