April 3 City of Birmingham, Alabama: Hacked or Not?
This week on cybersecurity from the editors of Cybercrime Magazine
– Read the full story at AL.com
Sausalito, California – April 3, 2024
AL.com reports that for weeks, Birmingham city employees have been doing business the old-fashioned way — on paper — as many computer systems experienced what Mayor Randall Woodfin’s office called a “network disruption.”
Multiple government sources told AL.com that the city is the victim of a ransomware attackhackers gaining access to the city’s computer systems and demanding payment for the city to get its data back.
“It’s incredibly serious,” said a source at City Hall, speaking on condition of anonymity because of a long-standing practice of the city communications office presenting official information to the public.
Steve Morgan, founder of Cybersecurity Ventures and editor-in-chief of Cybercrime Magazine, told AL.com that it’s not uncommon for governments to try to keep hacks secret.
“Unfortunately, these problems too often begin as so-called ‘outages,’ ‘glitches,’ or other descriptions in order to avoid reputational damage, embarrassment, or for other reasons,” said Morgan. “Often, the victim organization eventually comes forward and announces that it is in fact a breach or malicious intrusion.”
Cybercrime Magazine tracks new cyberattacks and data breaches in its daily feed “Who is hacked”.
“There are incidents where a city or municipality, upon the advice of law enforcement and/or an external cybersecurity expert or company, may determine that it is in the best interest of the organization to withhold information until an incident has been thoroughly investigated. » » said Morgana.
Cybercrime Magazine is the front page for cybersecurity. Access one of our sections to read the latest news:
- SCAM. The latest schemes, frauds and social engineering attacks launched against consumers around the world.
- NEWS. Comprehensive coverage of cyberattacks and data breaches, plus the latest privacy and security articles.
- TO HACK. Another organization is hacked every day. We tell you who, what, where, when and why.
- RESUME. Cybersecurity venture deals track the latest investment activity from various sources across the globe.
- Mergers and Acquisitions. Cybersecurity mergers and acquisitions, including big tech, pure-play cybersecurity, product providers, and professional services.
- BLOG. What’s happening at Cybercrime Magazine. Plus the stories that don’t make headlines (but maybe they should).
- PRESS. Real-time cybersecurity industry news and press releases from Business Wire editors.
- PODCAST. New daily episodes on the Cybercrime Magazine podcast feature victims, law enforcement, vendors, and cybersecurity experts.
- RADIO. Tune in to WCYB Digital Radio on Cybercrime.Radio, the first and only 24-hour Internet radio station dedicated to cybersecurity.
Contact us to send tips, feedback and suggestions, as well as for sponsorship opportunities and custom media productions.