Here’s the latest installment of the Hacks, Attacks and Breaches cybersecurity news update.
The Logically team provides top cyber security stories every week to keep you up to date on the latest news headlines on cybersecurity, hacking, computer security, ransomware and other cybersecurity threats.
City of Portland, OR
Exploit: Business Email Compromise
City of Portland, OR: Municipal Government
Risk to Small Business: Bad actors struck the city of Portland, Oregon in an audacious business email compromise attack that resulted in a $1.4 million fraudulent transaction with city funds in April. City officials say that cybercriminals obtained the money after gaining access to a city email account illegally. The compromise was detected in May when the same account attempted another transfer of funds. The incident is under investigation by the FBI, U.S. Secret Service and the Portland Police Bureau.
How it Could Affect Your Business: From municipalities to major national agencies, government targets have been a favorite of cybercriminals in the last few years.
City of Alexandria, LA
Exploit: Ransomware
City of Alexandria, LA – Municipal Government
Risk to Small Business: The AlphV ransomware gang has added the city of Alexandria, Louisiana to its list of victims. Officials confirmed that the city of 50,000 had fallen victim to a ransomware attack. They don’t believe that any sensitive data was stolen, and city operations will proceed as normal. This is the 22nd reported incident affecting a local government in the U.S. this year.
How it Could Affect Your Business: Governments have been high on the cybercriminal’s shopping list since they tend to have big data stores.
Mexico – Foxconn
Exploit: Ransomware
Foxconn: Electronics Manufacturing
Risk to Small Business: A major factory for Foxconn located in Tiajuana, Mexico near the California border was hit by a ransomware attack in late May that resulted in a shutdown. The plant specializes in the production of medical devices, consumer electronics and industrial operations. The operators of LockBit have claimed responsibility for the attack.
How it Could Affect Your Business: Manufacturers have been popular targets for cybercriminals, ranking number one for ransomware attacks in 2021.
