Remaining vigilant over the festive period

Important update from our Cyber Security team:

As we approach the Christmas break, please take a moment to remain alert to suspicious emails and online scams.

This period is consistently used by cyber criminals because inboxes are busier, many colleagues are on leave, and it can be harder to sense check an unusual request quickly.

Messages are often designed to look routine, for example delivery notifications, invoices, shared documents, or sign in prompts, and they rely on people acting quickly rather than taking a moment to check.

Look out for

• unexpected emails asking you to act quickly
• links, attachments or QR codes you were not expecting
• requests to change payment or bank details
• unexpected sign-in prompts

What to do

• check the sender’s email address carefully
• if unsure, do not click. Verify first using a trusted method, such as a known phone number
• report anything suspicious, even if you are not certain

Why reporting matters

Early reporting helps the Cyber Security team to investigate quickly, protect other colleagues, and block or remove malicious emails before they spread. North Ayrshire Council accepts that mistakes can happen, and we would always rather hear from you early so we can help. Early intervention is critical in limiting the impact of cyber-attack.

How to report

• with two clicks using the Report button in Outlook (preferred)
• by email to CyberSecurityTeam@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
• log a ticket via Hornbill

Thank you, 
The Cyber Security team

Published December 19, 2025