Earlier this week, cybersecurity expert Connor Goodwolf shared victim data from the Columbus City Attorney’s Office with 10TV.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Deshana Reed still hasn’t gotten over the loss of her 23-year-old son, Nassier, who was shot and killed outside Jack’s Corner Pub in July 2023.
“He was funny, a great impersonator. He had a silly personality. He loved life. He loved his kids, his family and his friends,” she said.
Two people have been charged with murder and the family is currently awaiting a trial date.
Deshana said when she heard about the cyberattack in Columbus, she never thought her son’s information would be affected.
“I had no idea that the victims or some of the cases were actually part of this breach. I think it was just city staff and employees. It’s disturbing,” she said.
It’s unclear whether her son’s specific information is on the dark web. Earlier this week, cybersecurity expert Connor Goodwolf shared victim data from the Columbus City Attorney’s Office with 10TV. DeShana wants to know what happened.
“It’s dangerous. Not just a financial risk. It’s a safety risk because there are predators on the dark web. I have granddaughters and grandsons,” she said.
But there are many more victims, some of whom are sexual assault victims. Cameron Foster of the OhioHealth Sexual Assault Response Network in central Ohio says victims should contact them. Call 844-OHIO-HELP (844-644-6435).
“We have outreach workers who are trained to offer support to anyone who has been re-traumatised or is feeling anxious and can connect them to our aftercare team,” Ms Foster said.
Foster said he wants victims to know that SARNCO is a safe place: If they believe their information has been compromised, they can call SARNCO.
“SARNCO is very careful to protect the identity of victims who come to us seeking services, and we know that victims value their information very much,” Foster said.
City Attorney Zach Klein declined an interview Friday but did release a statement.
“The criminals who illegally infiltrated the City’s IT infrastructure and likely stole this information, as well as those who posted this information on the dark web for their own personal gain, have no consideration for others, including witnesses and victims of their crimes. The City Attorney’s Office is doing everything we can to protect witnesses and victims of these cases and we have no intention of abandoning that position. My office will continue to cooperate with the ongoing criminal investigation.”
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