Portsmouth City Council website affected by cyber attack

Portsmouth is one of a number of local authorities across the UK to be affected by a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack by a group named NoName057(16). 
 
The attack is bombarding the council's website with an unmanageable amount of visits, meaning it is not operating properly for others trying to use it. No other council systems are affected, however the website may be affected for an unknown period. 

Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Steve Pitt, said: "We discovered issues with the website early this morning, and we have since confirmed that it is as a result of the attack that has affected other councils up and down the country. 

"I'd like to reassure residents that it is only access to the website being affected, and our teams are working hard to resume normal service as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience. 

"Staff are still available and ready to help with any queries during normal working hours. For those needing to contact the council, there are still a range of options available including telephone and email." 

Residents can still access online service and make payments via https://my.portsmouth.gov.uk/MyServices 

The following services are available on the below contact details from Monday to Friday for the times listed: 

• Adult social care: Call 023 9268 0810 (lines are open until 5pm) or email ASCoppdAdmin@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 

• Children and families services: Call 023 9283 9111 (lines are open until 5pm) or email mash@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 

• Council tax: Call 023 9268 8588 (lines are open until 4pm) or email localtaxation@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 

• Environmental health (including noise and pollution): Call 023 9283 4167 (lines are open until 4pm) or email SharedMailbox.PublicProtection@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 

• Housing benefit and council tax support: Call 023 9283 4556 (lines are open until 4pm) or email HousingBenefitSupportTeam@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 

• Housing needs: Call 023 9283 4989 (lines are open until 5pm) or email Housing.Options@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 

• Parking: 023 9268 8310 (lines are open until 4pm) or email parking@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 

• Payments: Call 0800 876 6576 (available 24/7) or in person at Civic Offices, open 9am-4pm, Monday - Friday 

• Recycling and rubbish Call 023 9284 1105 (lines are open until 4.30pm) or email recyclingandrubbish@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 

• General enquiries: call the City Helpdesk on 023 9283 4092 (our lines are open 9am-4pm) or email cityhelpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk