DYFED-POWYS POLICE CONFIRMS CYBER ATTACK ON ITS SYSTEMS

Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed it was hit by a cyber attack that disrupted some of its non-emergency systems and may have left staff information accessed or compromised, the force said. Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident was identified on 14 September and that an investigation into the circumstances is under way. The force said it remained fully operational throughout and that its response to emergency incidents had not been affected. A spokesperson said the investigation has so far found no evidence that members of the public's personal data was accessed or compromised. The force said it is continuing to examine whether staff information may have been affected and is taking steps to protect that data.

Dyfed-Powys Police said online and email contact services were unavailable for a period as a result of the attack but have since been restored. The force said its 999 and 101 emergency contact services were not affected at any point. Systems were subject to what the force described as "precautionary measures" while the investigation continued. The Information Commissioner's Office has been notified of the incident, Dyfed-Powys Police said. The force said it is receiving support from cyber-security specialists as part of its response.

Dyfed-Powys Police said it would provide appropriate advice to colleagues if required, depending on the outcome of its inquiries into staff data. The force said the investigation into how the attack occurred remains ongoing. Dyfed-Powys Police said it would continue to update on the circumstances surrounding the incident as more information becomes available. No further details on the nature of the attack or those responsible have been disclosed by the force.