HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — The city of Hendersonville recently fell victim to a cybersecurity attack, aligning with a troubling trend of hackers targeting smaller entities, according to security officials. The attack, which specifically aimed at employee data, is currently under investigation.
City Manager John Connet addressed the incident in a statement, affirming that they are taking the matter seriously and actively collaborating with various law enforcement agencies to get to the bottom of the issue. The North Carolina Joint Cybersecurity Task Force is working in conjunction with local, state, and federal authorities to address the breach. Additionally, the city has enlisted the assistance of third-party cybersecurity professionals who specialize in analyzing such incidents.
Preliminary findings indicate that the unauthorized party gained access to the system and acquired certain employee information for those hired before January 1, 2021. The impact does not appear to have extended to other systems or customer data. The city is investigating the extent of the breach and will directly contact individuals affected if their protected personal information has been compromised.
However, this incident is not an isolated occurrence. According to officials from Montreat College’s Carolina Cyber Center, smaller organizations are more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals. Larry Young, the center’s Executive Director, stated that cyberattacks are increasingly prevalent across various sectors, including small-to-medium businesses, municipalities, colleges, churches, and nonprofits. Young’s sentiments were echoed by Ed Carroll, the center’s Senior Director, who revealed that there were over 800,000 complaints related to cyberattacks made to the FBI’s IC3 organization in 2022 alone.
The heightened vulnerability of smaller entities stems from their limited budgets for cybersecurity measures in comparison to larger corporations. Carroll emphasized the critical need for entities to continually update passwords, undergo training sessions, and implement other precautionary measures to safeguard against potential cyber threats. Preparedness is the key to survival in the face of a cyberattack, much like having regular insurance or wearing a seat belt for personal safety.
To address the growing concern of cyber threats, the Carolina Cyber Center will be hosting a series of events focused on cyber threat preparedness starting in February. These events aim to empower organizations and individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to mitigate risks and strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.
In conclusion, the recent cybersecurity attack on Hendersonville highlights the alarming trend of hackers targeting smaller entities. Hendersonville City officials are actively investigating the incident while working closely with various law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts. The attack serves as a reminder for all organizations, regardless of size, to prioritize cybersecurity measures and remain vigilant in the face of evolving cyber threats.
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