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Albany cyber attack affecting records, police
From: Destry Winant <destry () riskbasedsecurity com>
Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2019 08:10:15 -0500
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Albany-police-can-t-access-scheduling-system-13730578.php All city services except for getting birth, death and marriage certificates will resume Monday morning after a cyber attack over the weekend, according to Mayor Kathy Sheehan. Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said in a social media post Saturday that the city experienced a ransomware cyber attack but didn't give details about the extent of it. A ransomware attack happens when a hacker accesses a system or personal files, and demands a ransom for the victim to regain access. Typically, ransomware hackers demand payment via cryptocurrency or credit card. "City officials have been working throughout the weekend responding to this incident," Sheehan tweeted in an update late Sunday. On Monday morning, city employees will report back to work as usual and city court services will operate during normal business hours. City buildings will be open to the public at 12:00 p.m. Sheehan said all city services will be available except for obtaining some certificates and licenses. She referred residents to the New York State Vital Records Customer Service Lobby in Menands for birth, death and marriage certificates. To apply for a marriage license, residents can visit the Town clerks' offices in Troy, Colonie or Watervliet. Other sources say the police department was also affected by the attack. The vice-president of the police union posted on Facebook on Sunday afternoon that police officers do not have access to internet-dependent systems, CBS6 first reported. Albany Police Officers Union Vice-President Gregory McGee wrote that members do not have access to the scheduling system, departmental email or other services or programs that operate by internet connection. He explained this means members cannot see who is working and what the manpower of each patrol is. He also said the attack appears to be affecting computers in patrol cars in terms of incident and accident reports, meaning calls for service may take longer than expected. Police spokesman Steve Smith said Sunday that the department remains adequately staffed and there are no interruptions in service to the community. McGee questioned in his Facebook post why the police department with sensitive information would be on the same network that he described as "easily attacked." "As of now, we have been left in the dark and have more questions than answers. (Union) members have not been provided with details about exactly what this attack has affected. I wish I could tell you that your personal information was secure, but we as a union have not been informed of the extent of the attack," McGee wrote. City spokesman Brian Shea declined to comment further Sunday other than referencing the mayor's social media posts. _______________________________________________ BreachExchange mailing list sponsored by Risk Based Security BreachExchange () lists riskbasedsecurity com If you wish to Edit your membership or Unsubscribe you can do so at the following link: https://lists.riskbasedsecurity.com/listinfo/breachexchange
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- Albany cyber attack affecting records, police Destry Winant (Apr 01)