Tag Archive for: NBC10

‘Akira’ ransomware behind Bucks Co. cyberattack that crippled emergency dispatch system – NBC10 Philadelphia

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About a week after a cyberattack crippled Bucks County’s computer-aided emergency dispatch system, officials, on Friday, announced they believe they know who was behind the attack.

According to county officials, the ransomware group “Akira” is believed to have been responsible for the attack on a computer-aided emergency dispatch system that — according to the Department of Homeland Security — enables “dispatchers, call- takers, and 911 operators to prioritize and record incident calls, identify the status and location of responders in the field, and effectively dispatch responder personnel.”

“The County has shared with its local, state and federal partners that the ransomware “Akira” is involved so that they can have situational awareness and review their own systems,” county officials announced.

However, officials said, all 911 phone and radio systems remain operational as they investigate the cyberattack.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Akira is a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) group that started operations in March 2023.

“The group has targeted multiple sectors, including finance, real estate, manufacturing, and healthcare,” says the Dept. of Health and Human Services, noting that the group typically demands ransom payments in these cyberattacks.

Without this system, Bucks County officials said that the county has lost automated services powered by CAD and law enforcement officials cannot access databases for the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network nor the National Crime Information Center.

Officials said they are working with state and federal partner agencies to assist in the investigation into the cybersecurity incident and, the county’s IT department is working to get the systems back online as soon as possible.

As of Sunday, officials still had no projected timeframe for when these services might resume.

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Ransomware Attack Locks Up Criminal Investigative Files at Camden County Police Department – NBC10 Philadelphia

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nbc10 investigators 20 mins ago

The Camden County Police Department experienced a ransomware attack that has been locking many criminal investigative files and day-to-day internal administration abilities, several law enforcement officials said. NBC10 investigative reporter Claudia Vargas has the details.

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Knowing Your Privacy Rights Before Signing Up for the Coronavirus Vaccine – NBC10 Philadelphia

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Signing up for the COVID-19 Vaccine may mean sharing some of your personal information.

But who is seeing that info once you submit it?

According to the Internet Security Alliance, there is a way to know if a company plans to share your data. You can typically find that information right there on the registration form.

“That form could conceivably be providing consent for the provider to take your information and use it,” said Larry Clinton, the President of the Internet Security Alliance.

According to Clinton, whether you want your information shared is entirely up to you.

“Both federal law as well as Pennsylvania law say the consumer has the right to know what info is being shared and what is being taken and has the right to refuse to allow their information to be shared,” he said. 

He also said sharing data could be a positive thing. Especially in the age of the Coronavirus.

“One of the issues we have with COVID is tracking,” he said. “If I’ve been in close contact with you and I find out I have the virus, let’s say it’s a public interest to be able to find you so that you’re safe.”

If it’s sold, your personal data may also wind up in the hands of marketing companies that could send you targeted ads. Or worse.

“On the downside, there are multiple issues with regard to health information,” Clinton said. “As I say, it’s very, very valuable on the black market. It can be used, sold on the black market so other people can get access to your insurance.”

Clinton urges consumers to read through all of the paperwork they’re presented with when getting the vaccine.

Deciding whether or not to share your data is a personal decision. If you decide to opt out, you have a few options:

Tell the company you don’t want to share your data, and see if they’ll let you advance without sharing it.

Report the company since federal law says you have the right to opt out.

Or, accept the terms and take the chance of having your data sold.

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