Hackers demand €4.5 million after cyberattack on council systems in Tenerife

Hackers have reportedly demanded a €4.5 million ransom after a cyberattack in Tenerife disrupted La Laguna Council’s website and online services, leaving residents unable to complete some administrative procedures.

The attack was detected on Monday afternoon, 2nd November, and affected several of the council’s computer systems, including those used for administrative, tax and accounting work.

The attackers are reported to have demanded payment in Bitcoin, a digital currency. Their identity and the origin of the attack remain unknown.

The council has brought in cybersecurity specialists and reported the incident to Spain’s National Cryptology Centre, which helps public organisations respond to cyber threats.

What does it mean for residents?

The disruption has affected the council’s website, its online administration portal and systems used to manage applications and other paperwork such as travel certificates or empadronamientos.

To prevent residents from being disadvantaged, La Laguna Council has agreed to extend existing administrative deadlines until the incident is resolved. This applies to people who already have procedures under way with the council.

Council offices remain open for in-person assistance, although staff are working with limitations because of the computer problems.

Some services have begun to return. By yesterday, Tuesday, the council said its travel certificate service was working again, but it was proceeding cautiously while specialists checked the security of its systems.

Was residents’ data accessed?

The full extent of the attack is still being investigated. It has not been established publicly whether the hackers accessed sensitive information held in council databases.

The council says its priority is to restore services securely and keep residents informed as the situation develops.