18 Jul Security Breach – 18 Jul 2025
Businesses don’t just have to worry about cyberattacks on their organisation. They also have to worry about the complications coming their way for cyberattacks on their partners, service providers and suppliers. This is because today’s cybercriminals are inclined to go after the entire supply chain — and once they’re in, hackers can create a world of financial and legal trouble. Presently, ransomware seems to be the go-to attack for cybercriminals perpetrating supply chain attacks. Over half (52%) of global organisations know that one of their suppliers or partners has been affected by ransomware. Moreover, ransomware gangs like to target strategically positioned companies with access to a large digital supply chain to extort larger amounts of money.
Recent Breaches
United States – Optima Tax Relief – Finance
Exploit: Ransomware
Risk to Business: Moderate: Optima Tax Relief, one of the leading tax resolution firms in the U.S., reportedly suffered a ransomware attack claimed by the group known as Chaos. The attackers allege they stole 69 GB of data before encrypting the company’s internal servers. The compromised data appears to include corporate documents and sensitive customer case files. Exposed client information may involve names, addresses and Social Security. As of now, Optima has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
U.K. – Oxford City Council – Government
Exploit: Hacking
Risk to Business: Severe: Oxford City Council confirmed a data breach involving its legacy systems, resulting in unauthorised access to personal information and disruption of ICT services. While most systems have been restored, the council warned that backlogs may still cause delays. In a public statement, the council revealed that attackers accessed databases containing personally identifiable information of current and former council officers from 2001 to 2022. Individuals involved in city-run elections during that period, such as poll workers and ballot counters, may also have had personal data exposed. The breach affects a council responsible for providing key public services to roughly 155,000 residents. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and are working to notify those potentially impacted.
Talk to a TCT team member today about implementing cyber security plan for your business.
Robert Brown
18/07/2025
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