Bosses have called in police

One of Scotland’s biggest care charities has called in police after a huge cyber attack downed several of its systems.

The Richmond Fellowship Scotland has been targeted by hackers, with the attack reportedly affecting a number of its digital systems.

Police were called in after staff realised their systems had been compromised.

It is currently unclear if any personal data or information has been stolen. Police have confirmed that they are investigating the incident.

A spokesperson for the force said: “On Tuesday, January 23 2024, we received a report of a cyber incident at a business in Glasgow.

"Enquiries are at an early stage and officers are providing support to those affected.”

The xharity is the largest provider of social care services in Scotland and supports over 2,500 people who have a broad range of needs.

They provide services to people with mental health difficulties, learning disabilities, positive behaviour support needs and those with alcohol and drug abuse problems.

They also provide services for anyone with alcohol-related brain damage, as well as older people, people with dementia, children and young people, autistic people, and people in contact with the criminal justice system.

It manages in the region of 190 services in both rural and urban settings, and works with 28 local authorities.

Richmond Fellowship Scotland has been approached for comment.

It comes after the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) was targeted by cyber attackers last year.

Data belonging to the university was put up for auction by an extortion cybergang in July 2023.

Ransomware gang Rhysida demanded £450,000 in Bitcoin for the confidential data.