Hayward, California – The city of Hayward has been hit by a ransomware attack, forcing officials to shut down its city website as IT crews work to investigate the extent of the problem. The cyberattack was discovered early Sunday morning, and while the public website and online city portals have been turned off, the 911 and emergency dispatching systems remain operational.
Hayward spokesman Chuck Finne described the incident as a “cyber-security incident and intrusion” into the city’s computer networks. City technicians are still trying to determine how and when the hack occurred. At this time, there is no evidence of a breach of personal information belonging to employees or the public. However, if any breach is discovered, Hayward will notify the affected individuals directly.
Finnie emphasized that the protection of private and confidential information is the highest priority for the city. Residents are encouraged to sign up for Hayward’s e-newsletter, the Stack, and follow the city on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor for updates.
Despite the website shutdown, Hayward police have assured the public that their 911 dispatch, patrol operations, and front desk services are functioning normally. However, visitors to Hayward libraries will temporarily have no access to the internet or Wi-Fi. Library services director Jayanthi Addleman stated that visitors can still browse and check out books using traditional methods.
This is not the first time an East Bay city has fallen victim to a ransomware attack. Oakland’s Information Technology system was targeted in a similar attack earlier this year, causing significant disruptions and the release of personal information belonging to city employees and residents. As a result, several legal claims and a class-action lawsuit were filed against Oakland.
Cybersecurity expert Kevin Powers from Boston College expressed hope that Hayward was able to detect the attack early and shut down their systems to address, mitigate, and recover from the incident. The investigation into the ransomware attack is ongoing, and the city is working diligently to restore its website and ensure the security of its systems.
What measures are being taken to protect the private and confidential information of employees and the public in light of the ransomware attack
Hayward, California, is currently dealing with a ransomware attack that has forced the city to temporarily shut down its website. The incident, which was discovered early Sunday morning, is being referred to as a “cyber-security incident and intrusion” by city spokesman Chuck Finne. IT crews are currently investigating the extent of the problem and trying to determine how and when the hack occurred.
As a result of the attack, the city’s public website and online portals have been turned off. However, it’s important to note that the 911 and emergency dispatching systems are still operational. Hayward officials have stated that there is currently no evidence of a breach of personal information belonging to employees or the public. However, if any breach is discovered, the affected individuals will be notified directly.
The protection of private and confidential information is the top priority for the city of Hayward. Residents are urged to stay updated by signing up for the city’s e-newsletter, the Stack, and following them on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor.
Although the website shutdown has affected the internet access at Hayward libraries, visitors can still browse and check out books using traditional methods. The Hayward police have assured the public that their 911 dispatch, patrol operations, and front desk services are functioning as usual.
It’s worth noting that this is not the first time an East Bay city has fallen victim to a ransomware attack. Earlier this year, Oakland’s Information Technology system was also targeted, resulting in significant disruptions and the release of personal information belonging to city employees and residents. As a result, legal claims and a class-action lawsuit were filed against Oakland.
Cybersecurity expert Kevin Powers from Boston College expressed optimism that Hayward was able to detect the attack early and take prompt action. The investigation into the ransomware attack is still ongoing, and the city is working diligently to restore its website and ensure the security of its systems.
This incident is a stark reminder of the growing threat of ransomware attacks, even affecting essential public services. It is crucial for organizations to prioritize their cybersecurity measures and constantly update their defenses to prevent such disruptions in the future.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat cyberattacks pose to our digital infrastructure. It is imperative for organizations to allocate resources and take proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity measures, ensuring the integrity and safety of sensitive information.