London borough investigates hack that took place earlier this year
Lewisham Council has warned that the financial details of 6,000 people in the London borough could have been endangered following a recent IT security breach.
The authority said that “unauthorised access to an IT storage portal” used by the council took place earlier this year. The breach was discovered on 24 April.
The portal sits outside of the council’s own IT network, but was being used by members of its digital team “for data analysis as part of a homelessness project”, Lewisham said. It contained “some financial and personal data relating to residents” of the south-east London borough. The local authority added that its own IT network “remains secure, and the core IT system is unaffected”.
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“We are not aware of any inappropriate use of the data. However, as a precaution we are making residents of the borough aware,” the council added. “We are directly contacting approximately 6,000 people whose financial details we believe could have been affected.”
The data that could have been impacted includes personal information pertaining to council tax, housing benefit and housing records, adult social care, education, and planning.
“We are taking this matter very seriously and have reported it as a crime,” the council said. “We are working with our partners and the appropriate regulators and authorities, and have already implemented a tightening of our security controls. The investigation into the matter continues.”
Lewisham residents with questions or concerns are advised to call 0800 953 3045.
Anxious About going back to ‘Normal’ After COVID
Zoom gatherings. kind of electronic happy hours. facetime dates. We’ve been living in a pandemic world for at least a year now, plus better or worse, Many of us have the experience of our new social routines.
But as vaccinations ramp up and restrictions begin to loosen country wide, The new question is: shall we be ready? After so long apart, Do we even can socialize in person anymore?
This story emanates from Life Kit, NPR’s family of podcasts to help make life better covering numerous exercise to raising kids to making friends.
We haven’t resulted in to “well-known” yet, But it feels like things start to shift: We can almost hear the backyard barbecues; The open office space to cubicle chatter; Those hard, dreadful, Adorable first date discussions over candlelit dinner. for numerous, Just thinking is anxiety inducing.
“Social skillset are, besides, tactics, Headlee states, So justifiable to feel rusty when they’ve been out of use.
but also, this reminds us, Humans were built to get friendly. “may 300,000 years of evolution helping you do this and helping you do it better than any species in the world,
If you’ve been working remotely and you’re worried about how to approach that first conversation back at the office, Chances are you’re not the only one feeling it science tells us we all are more self conscious than necessary in new social situations. Headlee suggests addressing the elephant within the room right away. “be truthful about it, Headlee claims, the fact that “commonly when you name something, It removes its power, Acknowledging the awkward with something as simple as, “making this weird, appropriately, Can clear the air and get everyone dancing.
When uncertain: plumbing service, don’t start to large. Asking open ended inquires, Headlee promises, Works on a few different levels: It takes pressure off you while simultaneously giving your partner room to shine and feel some of that conversation fueled dopamine. and then, Added new account bonus, Questions give you the opportunity to work on another predominant social skill listening! start small, while in the safe, Time limited spaces if you’re focused on how you’ll do: Maybe observe with a friend or try a brief elevator exchange. and remember, Good conversations take time.
Know your controls. It’s OK if they’ve changed.
“We have been under such a cognitive load during the last year or so that there just may not be the space for two things in one day, states.
additionally, it is possible the idateasia scam pandemic just revealed the real limits of your social capacity. “Two often, You may have just not noticed how exhausted you were, Headlee proclaims.
But even if you believe ready to jump back into the world with both feet, Don’t try to try to get too much at once. earth’s a changed place, And you might have changed a bit, insanely. Set realistic border, And pace your presentation: may perhaps mean setting a max number of activities for a weekend, adding social “Off weeks” Or restrictive how long houseguests can stay. Draw lines that serve you.
Accept what people let you know about themselves.
“i think” Is well-known, Headlee reads, while it’s true “you would imagine, Is an opinion for example, Don’t assume peoples point of view, Especially if you are obtaining vaccinations and socializing.
Now today, Safety is going to look differently for different people, And you should respect the boundaries people create for themselves.
for your situation, Going mask free indoors post vaccination may just be freeing and joyful, But for your next door neighbor, maybe it’s panic inducing. Ask ahead of time if you’re unsure about mixed social situations. Don’t impose your comfort and ease on anyone else, And be honest (Or opt outdoors) If you feel unsafe even when that might feel extra hard when pals are ready to spread hugs all around.
While the pandemic has been a source of friction between a lot of folks, Headlee maintains our current moment is a great chance of unity. “in the long run, The past year has been hard for all of us, states. “And if little else, That gives us common ground to find some kind of empathy for each other.