An increasing risk of a cyber attack is facing Bristol City Council due to delayed critical IT updates. Millions will soon be spent on updating many IT systems the council uses, but some updates will only come after current systems stop being protected from viruses.
A crucial gap lies in between when current software — used for work like managing repair jobs in council flats — reaches the end of its life, and when the new software is rolled out. End-of-life software is a key target for cyber attacks, as new security patches are no longer created.
Once the software is eventually rolled out, due by May next year, City Hall chiefs hope council services will become easier to use for tenants, staff and contractors. Currently some software is reportedly fiddly, difficult to use and often needs 'time-consuming workarounds'.
