In a recent update regarding the severity of the cybersecurity breach on the city’s Information Technology infrastructure affecting the city of Columbus, Mayor Andrew Ginther shed light on the challenges faced by numerous municipalities grappling with similar threats. The Mayor’s statements coincide with an ongoing investigation involving the FBI, cybersecurity experts, and state and federal officials diligently working to address the repercussions of this sophisticated cyber attack.

Employees typically receive training to exercise caution when receiving emails from unfamiliar senders or those containing malware. Some speculate that an employee may have opened a suspicious email, potentially allowing the breach.

However, the mayor’s office attributes the attack to a foreign actor or group called Rhysida, who attempted to hack the city’s IT infrastructure to deploy ransomware and demand a $2 million payment. Although Rhysida claimed responsibility, the city did not pay the ransom.”

Mayor Ginther expressed deep frustration and concern over the incident, emphasizing that Columbus is not alone in its struggle against cybercrime. He stated,

“In today’s interconnected world, many cities, businesses, and ordinary citizens have become victims of similar cyber crimes.” He referenced the “State of Ransomware in the U.S.,” revealing that 50 cities have experienced cybersecurity attacks this year, adding to the alarming 95 cities targeted in 2023.

The Mayor highlighted a troubling trend in cybersecurity threats, pointing to a significant breach earlier in the week where 2.9 billion Social Security numbers were compromised in a separate data hack.

“This is an increasingly common problem,” Ginther lamented. “My primary concern is that we have become a target, and I am fully committed to an effective response.”

Ginther assured residents that city officials are working diligently to restore the negative impact that such an attack has had so far and maintain transparency throughout the investigation.

“This is a very complex and rapidly evolving situation,” he noted, stressing that the city’s response must be comprehensive and timely. “While navigating an active criminal investigation, we intend to provide as much verifiable information as possible, pledging transparency and openness.”

Earlier this week, Ginther gave an update about the cyber attack, but later events have drawn more attention. He clarified, “The information I shared was based on what we knew to be true then, and it was communicated in good faith.”

The Mayor also confirmed that personally identifiable information had been leaked to the dark web, understandably causing distress among residents.

“The exposed data includes sensitive information from the prosecutors’ database, affecting individuals involved in the justice system, including defendants, victims, and witnesses,” he elaborated.

The Mayor, deeply empathetic to the frustration felt by those impacted, pledged to keep the public informed as more details emerge.

“I understand how distressing this situation is for those affected, and we will continue to share information as we learn more.”

In response to the breach, Ginther urged Columbus residents to protect their personal information proactively. The city will provide notification and offer free Experian credit monitoring for all residents and impacted individuals.

“I encourage everyone, whether a resident or non-resident, whose personal information was shared with the Municipal Court, to enroll in this essential service,” he stated.

“Protection against fraud and identity theft is crucial.”

Residents can register for the monitoring service at www.columbus.gov/cyber by November 29th, with coverage commencing upon enrollment.

“My foremost responsibility is to take every possible measure to protect the hardworking families of our city,” Ginther affirmed, reiterating his unwavering commitment to transparency and safety. This commitment ensures the public is always informed and involved in the city’s efforts to address the crisis.

As the investigation progressed, Mayor Ginther assured the public that city officials and cybersecurity experts were fully committed to addressing the crisis. He emphasized, “We will continue working around the clock to get to the bottom of this situation, utilizing all available resources to ensure the safety of our residents.”

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