Cyber Attack Strikes Pembroke Park, Florida
The recent cyber attacks in Pembroke Park, Florida have left the city reeling, with North Miami Councilman Scott Galvin addressing the situation on “This Week in South Florida” on Sunday.
City Hall Shutdown and Ransomware Attack
Following the closure of city hall from August 5 to 9, a mysterious atmosphere descended over Pembroke Park. The ransomware attack included an anonymous message asserting that the attacks were not personal.
The city’s information technology team, supported by local and federal authorities, sprang into action. Galvin mentioned that the IT department has been diligently working to install anti-piracy software to prevent future breaches.
Impact on City Services and Response
Despite the hacking incident, the city’s website reassured residents that the 911 call center remained operational and early voting in the primary was unaffected. However, issues with payments and online services persisted.
Galvin admitted that the extent of compromised data remains unclear, but the ransom demand for city data was unmistakable. He lamented, “The city is being held to ransom.”
Florida law prohibits cities from paying ransom, raising questions about the city’s insurance coverage and next steps. The lack of communication from the insurance company and City Council has left the situation in limbo.
The disruption comes on the heels of another breach experienced by North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme. Hackers gained access to his Gmail account, revealing sensitive information such as his passport and financial details. The mayor clarified that no nude photos were part of the leaked information.
As the city navigates this cyber crisis, residents are advised to stay vigilant and cautious with their personal information.
For the latest updates on city services and ongoing developments, residents are encouraged to follow official announcements from Pembroke Park authorities.
