Columbus Mayor: Ransomware Attackers Took Useless Data

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther confirmed that hackers recently infiltrated the city’s systems, but the stolen data is largely unusable and does not include personal information about city employees. The breach was linked to the ransomware group Rhysida, which claimed to have stolen 6.5 terabytes of data, including sensitive information such as login credentials and emergency service files. However, Ginther stated that forensic investigations revealed the actual amount of data was significantly less, with much of it being corrupted or encrypted. The mayor emphasized that the city did not receive any ransom demands from the hackers. While there were concerns among city workers, including police and fire personnel, about potential exposure of their personal information, Ginther clarified that although someone accessed the payroll system during the attack, there is no evidence that any files were downloaded or made public on the dark web. Furthermore, there is no indication that data belonging to the general public was compromised. In response to the breach, the city is prioritizing enhancements to its digital security measures and technology training for employees to mitigate future risks. Mayor Ginther projected that the financial impact of addressing the breach could reach several million dollars, underscoring the significant resources required to bolster the city’s cybersecurity infrastructure. The city remains committed to safeguarding its systems and protecting the information of its employees and residents.