SUFFOLK — The city of Suffolk announced Friday it was targeted in a cybersecurity attack that may have accessed and retrieved data.
The federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency notified the city on Feb. 25 that “a malicious actor may have exfiltrated data from the city’s network,” the city said in a statement. Suffolk city management, information technology officials and third-party cybersecurity experts immediately began to investigate.
The investigation is ongoing. But so far, it’s found the scammer attempted to use “ransomware,” or malicious software that blocks entrance to systems and networks, and requires a ransom for renewed access. The city then detected the cyber threat and blocked further access, according to the release.
The investigators have not confirmed what information, if any, the cyber scammer accessed or obtained. However, the city said it is possible that an individual’s full name or first initial and last name, as well as personally identifiable information, may have been seen or accessed.
A strategic service provider reviewed the city’s systems, and “implemented stronger policies to prevent future attacks,” the release said.
The cyber attack was reported to the FBI Cyber Division and the Virginia Fusion Center, according to the release.
The city advised anyone with additional questions to call 833-918-1153, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
