Residents in Middletown want answers after a dayslong cyberattack disrupted several key services in the city.Officials haven’t confirmed if any personal information was compromised, but locals question what hackers may have gained access to. City officials shared on Facebook that the “cybersecurity incident” was detected over the weekend. Services like 911 remained operational, but some services at city hall took a hit.”They said the systems were down right now, and we ended up leaving,” shared Elizabeth Sanjuan, who had no luck paying for a friend’s bond.Tina Rogers, another Middletown resident, worries about what information may have been exposed.”I worry that anybody that’s been to court down here or had anything to do down here, our information is out there,” she said.Cybersecurity consultant Dave Hatter said it’s likely hackers found a weak point in the system to gain access. “It’s a terrible situation to be in,” Hatter said. “If they shut your systems down, they will usually steal the data as well.” Hackers often use ransomware, a way in which they disable computer systems and demand ransom payments. WLWT emailed city staff and stopped by city hall for answers. While the city wouldn’t confirm a ransomware attack, an employee said the phone lines were down as of Wednesday afternoon. As the city works to fully restore its systems, Hatter encourages locals to be mindful of their online activity. “I would encourage anyone who lives in Middletown to be extra wary,” he said. “It’s always good practice in the world we’re in to verify everything.” Many city departments have established emergency secondary lines due to the essential nature of the provided services. Those temporary numbers are:Code Enforcement: 513-635-2331Building Inspection/Zoning: 513-760-8455Middletown Health Department: 1-877-774-4636Middletown Regional Airport: 513-236-3238The Event Center of Middletown: 513-567-0788Middletown Police (Non-Emergency): 513-425-7701911 services are still available and should be called for medical or criminal emergencies.
Residents in Middletown want answers after a dayslong cyberattack disrupted several key services in the city.
Officials haven’t confirmed if any personal information was compromised, but locals question what hackers may have gained access to.
City officials shared on Facebook that the “cybersecurity incident” was detected over the weekend. Services like 911 remained operational, but some services at city hall took a hit.
“They said the systems were down right now, and we ended up leaving,” shared Elizabeth Sanjuan, who had no luck paying for a friend’s bond.
Tina Rogers, another Middletown resident, worries about what information may have been exposed.
“I worry that anybody that’s been to court down here or had anything to do down here, our information is out there,” she said.
Cybersecurity consultant Dave Hatter said it’s likely hackers found a weak point in the system to gain access.
“It’s a terrible situation to be in,” Hatter said. “If they shut your systems down, they will usually steal the data as well.”
Hackers often use ransomware, a way in which they disable computer systems and demand ransom payments.
WLWT emailed city staff and stopped by city hall for answers.
While the city wouldn’t confirm a ransomware attack, an employee said the phone lines were down as of Wednesday afternoon.
As the city works to fully restore its systems, Hatter encourages locals to be mindful of their online activity.
“I would encourage anyone who lives in Middletown to be extra wary,” he said. “It’s always good practice in the world we’re in to verify everything.”
Many city departments have established emergency secondary lines due to the essential nature of the provided services. Those temporary numbers are:
- Code Enforcement: 513-635-2331
- Building Inspection/Zoning: 513-760-8455
- Middletown Health Department: 1-877-774-4636
- Middletown Regional Airport: 513-236-3238
- The Event Center of Middletown: 513-567-0788
- Middletown Police (Non-Emergency): 513-425-7701
911 services are still available and should be called for medical or criminal emergencies.
