Hackers breach Rhode Island’s government services portal, exposing sensitive data and demanding an undisclosed ransom.
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| Rhode Island faces a major data breach as hackers steal sensitive personal information from state assistance programs and demand ransom. Image: Collected |
Rhode Island, New England, USA - December 15, 2024:
Rhode Island officials announced on Saturday that hundreds of thousands of residents' personal and financial information, including Social Security numbers, were likely stolen in a cyberattack by an international hacking group. The attackers are demanding an undisclosed ransom to prevent the release of the stolen data.
The breach targeted RIBridges, the state’s online portal for accessing government assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and healthcare services through HealthSource RI. The compromised data potentially affects a significant number of individuals relying on these programs.
Governor Dan McKee revealed that hackers accessed the system earlier this month. However, the breach was only confirmed on Friday by Deloitte, the vendor responsible for the portal's management. "Deloitte confirmed that there is a high probability that a cybercriminal has obtained files with personally identifiable information from RIBridges," the governor’s office said in a statement.
Officials have described the incident as extortion, as the hackers threaten to release the sensitive information unless their demands are met. Efforts are underway to assess the extent of the breach and protect affected individuals.
Governor McKee's office has yet to provide further comments, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the attack and implement additional security measures.