Jacksonville Beach, Florida – A cyber attack in Jacksonville Beach affected the city’s information systems. Cybercriminals hold personal data such as social security numbers and banking information in order to obtain ransom money. You will be notified via email if you are affected.
Construction Superintendent Don Graham just learned that the company’s permit to build a new coffee shop in Jacksonville Beach was “lost somewhere in the city of Jacksonville Beach’s computer system.” , said he had to go pick it up in person.
“There was one contractor who was already doing the work and they said they didn’t have a permit, but of course they did,” Graham said.
This is the same system that city officials first announced in January was temporarily suspended due to what they called an “information system issue.” Jacksonville Beach Mayor Kristin Hoffman is now claiming it was a sophisticated ransomware attack, but said the city has not paid the ransom.
The breach paralyzed city operations.
“I haven’t received my bill for two months. I finally got it last month,” said Zenaida Mickle, a Beaches Energy customer.
Mickle said she had to pay her bill in person Thursday because she can’t pay her electricity bill online or contact anyone by phone.
“It was a shock to me,” said Beaches Energy customer Todd Smith, who had just learned of the breach. “They should have let people know they were affected. Now you’re trying to let them know, but people could have known more about what happened, so… I should have told you[earlier]. Not now, but in a few months. That’s no good.”
News4JAX I-TEAM asked Hoffman in January why the breach was initially called a cybersecurity event and her response to customer concerns about transparency.
“On January 29th, we immediately contacted state and federal authorities and consulted with our cybersecurity advisors,” Hoffman said. “The City of Jacksonville Beach followed the advice given to us regarding investigation, mitigation, and recovery. When we became aware that data had been compromised, we took appropriate steps to protect our computer systems and We are alerting affected customers that their information may have been compromised.”
Hoffman said 48,949 people could be affected by the ransomware attack.
City officials urge anyone who believes they may be affected by this incident or who has additional questions to call the city’s hotline number at 844-709-0703. It is said that it has been done.
Consumers have the right to have an initial or extended “fraud alert” placed on their credit file free of charge. Or, place a credit freeze on your report to prevent credit bureaus from releasing your information without your permission.
“That should be a concern for everyone. It’s your Social Security number,” said Jesse Clare, a Beaches Energy customer.
Clair believes the city of Jacksonville Beach should cover the cost of credit monitoring for affected customers.
“They are an energy company,” Clair said. “They should take care of that. I have to take care of my family, my kids, and everything in the house. I’m paying you and I’m taking care of your energy. If you’re using it, you should take care of it.”
Hoffman said the system is being restored as quickly and safely as possible, but it remains unclear how many people were affected.
Click here to learn more about credit monitoring.
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