We created “Boston’s Cyber Security Attacks” to help local businesses keep up with Boston-area cyber breaches. As you read through, look for patterns and the attack vectors hackers are using. It’s always better to learn from other’s mistakes (or bad luck) and so we hope this page can be a resource that we can all learn from. Unfortunately, no one is immune any more, all we can do is be proactive about our defenses and responses.
Boston Cyber Security Attacks 2019
Ransomware Attack Locks Out New Bedford City Data [September 5]
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell disclosed that a variant of the Ryuk virus blocked access to information on 158 city computers in July. The attacker demanded a Bitcoin payment equal to $5.3 million.
MGH Reports Data Breach That Exposed Information of Nearly 10,000 People [August 23]
Massachusetts General Hospital said Thursday that a data breach in its neurology department has exposed the private information of nearly 10,000 people. The breach exposed data about participants in certain research programs, including their names, dates of birth, medical record numbers, and medical histories. Social Security numbers and financial information were not disclosed, according to the hospital.
Massive Data Breach Hits Capital One Affecting More Than 100 Million Customers [July 30]
Capital One said Monday personal information, including Social Security and bank account numbers, of more than 100 million individuals were compromised in a massive data theft that led to the arrest of a Seattle woman. Paige A. Thompson is accused of stealing data from Capital One credit card applications in what is one of the top 10 largest data breaches ever.
Massachusetts Nonprofit Shelter Targeted by Ransomware [June 28]
Father Bill’s and MainSpring, a Brockton-based nonprofit homeless shelter, announced that it had been attacked by ransomware in April. Officials say they do not believe that personal information was stolen.
Boston-based ResiDex Software Notified Patients About a Ransmoware Attack [June 19]
ResiDex, software vendor for assisted living homes, group homes, and organizations providing elderly or disabled care suffered a ransomware attack on its systems compromising it’s patients information such as medical records, names, and social security numbers.
Cyber Attack Shuts Down Part of Massachusetts’ Public Defender AgencyC [March 13]
Since Feb. 28, a shutdown of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) system includes email, delayed hearings and attorneys not paid who represent defendants. The group provides attorneys for those unable to afford one, including cases involving children within the Department of Children and Families.
