The ransomware attack that crippled a New York county again demonstrated the need for investment, regular updates and an enterprisewide approach to security.
A cyberattack on Suffolk County, New York, crippled county services and resulted in the leaking of personal information from hundreds of thousands of its residents late last year.
The hack, which has so far cost the county more than $6 million in recovery expenses according to local reports, prompted Suffolk lawmakers to launch a special legislative committee to investigate its origins.
Among the departments affected was the Traffic and Parking Violation Agency. Its server was compromised by the attack and some residents’ personal information may have been accessed by hackers, county officials said. While systems were down, emergency responders and other services relied on pen and paper.
Route Fifty
By Chris Teale,
Staff Reporter, GCN
JAN 10, 2023