Richardson city servers hacked, sensitive data reportedly safe

On Wednesday morning, at approximately 6:22 a.m., the City of Richardson experienced a breach of its internal servers by a hacker who attempted to encrypt data files. In response to this unauthorized access, city officials promptly shut down internal server access as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, they believe that sensitive data remained secure and was not accessed during the incident. City Manager Don Magner emphasized the importance of preparedness against such threats, highlighting the city's ongoing efforts to enhance security protocols. The city is actively working to restore its systems and is committed to identifying resources to assist any individuals who may be affected by the breach. Essential services, including emergency response and online payment systems, continued to operate without interruption, ensuring that the community's needs were met despite the cyber incident. The FBI has initiated an investigation into the breach, and the Department of Homeland Security has been notified. The city has also alerted other relevant agencies to ensure a comprehensive response to the situation. This incident underscores the growing reality of cyber threats faced by municipalities and the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures. As the investigation unfolds, city officials remain hopeful that their security measures will continue to mitigate the impact of such incidents. The proactive approach taken by the city reflects a commitment to safeguarding public information and maintaining trust within the community.