Trends
Stolen data in Ohio is corrupted and unusable
Hackers claimed to have stolen files including sensitive login information, but the city’s mayor clarified that the stolen data was unusable.
Headline
Hackers claimed to have stolen files including sensitive login information, but the city’s mayor clarified that the stolen data was unusable.
Context
OUR TAKE These incidents serve as a reminder to all organisations, large and small, of the need to pay attention to cybersecurity in order to protect sensitive data from attacks. Protecting the security of network information is of paramount importance, as it has a bearing on a number of aspects, including personal privacy, corporate secrets, national security and social stability. — Iydia Ding, BTW reporter The city of Columbus , Ohio was recently hit by a ransomware attack, and Mayor Andrew Ginther confirmed the data breach. According to the mayor, while the hacker s claimed to have stolen 6.5 terabytes of data, including sensitive login information and emergency services documents, the data they obtained was in fact either corrupted or encrypted and unusable.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
That said, unauthorised access did occur during the attack, particularly to the city’s payroll system, but there is currently no indication that files were downloaded or posted to the dark web. There is also no evidence that data from the public was compromised. Additionally, despite concerns from some employees that personal information was compromised, Ginther clarified that there is no evidence that the information was uploaded to the dark web or publicly released. The City of Columbus did not receive a ransom demand, and Mayor Kinser said the city will increase digital security and technology training to prevent similar breaches in the future. He expects the attack to result in millions of dollars in damages. Also read: What is a port and how do network ports affect cybersecurity? Also read: Cybersecurity threats: The shadowy realities of digital espionage
Key Points
- The city of Columbus, Ohio was recently hit by a ransomware attack.
- Hackers claimed to have stolen files including sensitive login information and emergency services documents, but the city’s mayor clarified that the stolen data was unusable.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
