The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has been affected by a cyber attack.
On Thursday, one of the Combined Authority's (CA) third-party suppliers informed officials that they had been the victim of a cyber attack.
The CA, based at Mann Island on the Liverpool waterfront, said that this attack has potentially affected some of its own online services, including those provided via the Merseytravel and Mersey Ferries websites.
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In a statement released on Friday afternoon, a Liverpool City Region Combined Authority spokesperson said: “On Thursday January 18, we were informed by one of our third-party suppliers that they were a victim of a cyber-attack.
"This attack has potentially affected some of our online services provided via our Merseytravel and Mersey Ferries websites.
"Once we were alerted to this attack, our cyber security protocols were activated and immediate steps were taken to prevent any further impact, including taking the affected websites offline, while we carried out further investigations. We have informed the Information Commissioners Office of this data compromise as required.
The statement added: "We are continuing to work closely with the supplier to understand the detailed implications and can confirm that we are in the process of restoring the websites.
"We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of this loss of service. This incident also serves as a reminder to us all about the importance of cyber security and staying safe online."
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is the overarching body that brings together the local councils of Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and Halton.
The Combined Authority is headed up by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram.
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