In response to the massive cyberattack that struck Columbus City in July 2024, the Columbus City Council is intensifying its focus on the ongoing fallout. The Columbus City Council has emphasized that the incident is under federal investigation. The Columbus City cyberattack has brought considerable attention from the FBI and Homeland Security, and the Council finds itself in a position of limited knowledge, similar to the general public.
During a recent city council meeting, Nicholas Bankston, a prominent member and chair of the finance and governance committee, highlighted the importance of public vigilance. “We want to be very, very clear. It’s really simple. One, protect yourself. Stay informed and know that we are dedicated to safeguarding your interests and the interests of every resident and every employee,†Bankston stated.
Addressing the Columbus City Cyberattack
Despite the ongoing federal investigation, he assured residents that the cyberattack on Columbus City remains a top priority for the council. Bankston acknowledged that while the Council’s hands are tied due to the ongoing investigation, cybersecurity will be a constant topic in future meetings. “Council has a long-held practice of refraining from commenting on investigations to maintain their integrity. But with that, again, we will continue to push and make sure that we are getting information that is accurate and verifiable from the administration and those involved,†he added.
The Department of Technology, led by Director Sam Orth, also addressed the public during a city council meeting. Orth highlighted the rapidly evolving nature of the situation. He revealed that personal data had been compromised and posted on the dark web, prompting immediate actions to support affected individuals. As soon as we confirmed that personal data had been stolen and posted on the dark web, we took immediate action to offer support to those individuals we identified as likely having been affected,†Orth explained.
Despite Columbus City’s history of dealing with cyber threats—having thwarted over 200,000 attacks in the previous year alone—the scale of this cyberattack has been unprecedented. “We have thwarted over 200,000 attacks just last year alone. We are constantly under attack every single year. This is one that our safeguards weren’t able to protect us from,†Bankston noted. The city is working tirelessly to enhance its security systems and protect its data from future breaches.
Columbus City Cyberattack: The Recovery Methods
The Columbus City Council has advised residents to take proactive measures to protect their personal information. They recommend signing up for the free credit monitoring service provided by the city and avoiding clicking on suspicious links in emails. Additionally, the Department of Technology suggests enrolling children in credit monitoring services as well, as cyberattacks can affect anyone with a social security number. Residents who receive unusual emails or messages are encouraged to report them by sending screenshots to abuse@columbus.gov.
The Columbus City cyberattack has had a profound impact on Columbus residents, as demonstrated by recent interviews conducted by 10TV. Mary B. Roletto, a longtime Columbus resident, shared her experience after discovering her information on the dark web. “I did go to all of the credit bureaus and checked my credit when it happened and checked my status,†she said. Roletto has become more cautious about her bank and credit card statements and plans to attend public meetings to stay informed. “You think you are protected, everything is good and you don’t have to make the effort. But, today’s world is a different world technology-wise,†she added.
Joe Motil, a former mayoral candidate, was also affected by the breach. He expressed shock upon finding his personal information online and criticized the city’s practice of scanning IDs. “This is the easiest thing to remedy. Let’s not scan driver’s licenses anymore,†Motil suggested. He also called for the city to provide more transparency about the data leaked on the dark web and emphasized the importance of understanding the scope of the breach.
The city has reported that approximately 13,000 residents have signed up for the free credit monitoring service. Columbus City Council is committed to holding public hearings and providing updates on the cyberattack’s aftermath. A hearing is scheduled for early October, where residents will have the opportunity to voice their concerns.
Investigation Continues
Director Sam Orth provided further details about the ongoing situation during a public briefing. Orth acknowledged that nearly a quarter of the city’s computer systems are still down, with efforts underway to restore them. He expressed outrage over the attack and noted that despite Columbus City’s extensive efforts to monitor and block cyber threats, the attack by Rhysida was not preventable. In 2023, the City of Columbus’ Department of Technology monitored 170 billion cyber events on the internet. We blocked over 200,000 attempted threats,†Orth reported.
Shawn Waldman, a cybersecurity expert, has criticized the city’s handling of the attack. He argues that the response could have been more effective and has called for accountability from Director Orth and his team. Waldman is concerned that the city’s response and recovery efforts might be hindered by internal issues, including the potential mishandling of information and inadequate record retention policies.
Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin has voiced his frustration with the attack. He revealed that his own personal information was compromised and criticized the city’s initial response. Hardin’s comments highlight the broader impact of the cyberattack on both public confidence and personal security.
As the investigation continues and recovery efforts proceed, the Columbus City Council remains committed to transparency and accountability. The public hearings and upcoming reports will provide further insights into the Columbus City cyberattack and the measures being taken to prevent future incidents.
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