Oakland, California, is the latest city to be victimized by a cyber attack. The LockBit 3.0 group has just listed the city among its victim list, which they claim to have held for the past 19 days and 23 hours. The deadline for publication of data, if the ransom is not paid, is April 10, 2023, at 7:37:53 UTC. The alarming news of city of Oakland cyber attack has put its residents at risk, who now face the possibility of their sensitive information being made public.
Oakland, a port city in California, was founded in 1852 and is the county seat of Alameda County. The city has a rich history and is known for its diverse population and vibrant culture. However, it is now making headlines for all the wrong reasons, as it joins the growing list of cities and organizations that have fallen victim to ransomware attacks.
City of Oakland Cyber Attack explained
The City of Oakland cyber attack comes on the heels of another cyberattack earlier this year, where the Play ransomware gang leaked stolen data on the dark web. The leaked data contained confidential documents, employee information, passports, and IDs in a 10GB multi-part RAR archive. The cybercriminals behind the attack claimed that the leaked information included the following:
- Private and personal data.
- Financial information.
- Human rights violation information.
- Complete employee information.
The City of Oakland cyber attack by LockBit 3.0 group is a reminder of the growing threat of ransomware attacks. These attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and their impact can be devastating. Not only do they disrupt the operations of the organizations they target, but they also put the sensitive information of their customers, employees, and other stakeholders at risk.
City of Oakland Cyber Attack and the need for better security measures
Organizations must take steps to protect themselves from these attacks. This includes implementing robust cybersecurity measures like firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems. It also involves conducting regular cybersecurity assessments and training employees on identifying and avoiding phishing attacks, which are often the entry point for ransomware attacks.
The City of Oakland’s ransomware attack has put government data at risk. Since cybercrime has grown several folds over the years, governments and organizations must proactively protect themselves and their customers from these attacks.
It’s not just their reputation that’s at stake, but the sensitive information of their stakeholders. As cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated, organizations must stay one step ahead and take the necessary measures to protect themselves from these attacks.