North Miami City Faces Ransomware Attack

MIAMI - Residents of North Miami are expressing significant concern following Mayor Alix Desulme's announcement that his Google email account was hacked, leading to a ransomware attack that disrupted city operations. Although the city has reopened, many services remain unavailable, forcing residents to visit city hall in person for transactions. In a letter to the community, Mayor Desulme clarified that the breach affected his personal accounts, not the city's official systems. Local residents are feeling the impact of the attack, with some struggling to pay their bills due to the ongoing system issues. Jacqueline Kemp, a concerned resident, shared her experience of successfully paying her bill but expressed frustration over the high water rates. Meanwhile, Vella Clement highlighted the difficulties faced by those who typically pay by check or online, fearing that their financial information could be compromised. The ransomware incident has left many residents anxious about the security of their personal data and the city's ability to resolve the ongoing issues. "The residents of North Miami are struggling to pay the bills," Clement noted, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the resolution of the problem. In Florida, it is illegal for any state, county, or city agency to pay or comply with ransom demands, adding another layer of complexity to the situation as the city navigates the aftermath of the attack. Residents are left hoping for a swift return to normalcy and improved security measures moving forward.