Rhode Island has been the victim of a cyber attack that puts residents' data at risk.
The personal data of thousands of people who have applied for government assistance is on the line.
Brian Tardiff, Rhode Island’s Chief Digital Officer, confirmed that the attackers have demanded a ransom.
The cyber criminals behind the attack have not been officially named, nor has any hacker group publicly claimed responsibility.
However, we do know that they were able to gain access to Rhode Islands online social services portal, known officially as “RIBridges”. This includes the medicate benefits, supplemental nutrition assistance program information as well as health insurance information.
The full extent of the breach is not yet public but the state has confirmed that anyone who has applied for benefits as far back as 2016 could be affected.
What to do if you are affected by the Rhode Island Cyber Attack?
Having sensitive personal data leaked can be very distressing. By taking proactive steps, you can reduce the ongoing risks and protect your personal information.
Ensure that you update your passwords for all online accounts, including email, social media, and online banking. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable multi-factor authentication.
Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity. Report any suspicious transactions immediately and consider freezing your credit.
Be aware that your information being compromised may make you a target for social engineering and phishing scams. These scams often involve impersonating trusted individuals or organizations using information they already have about you to convince you to hand over money or further details. Remain skeptical of anyone asking you for information.
Organizations of all sizes must make sure to keep up with the latest trends and best practices in cybersecurity to prevent cyber attacks from massively affecting their users.
