Rhode Island's RIBridges System Offline After Cyberattack Exposure

Rhode Island's RIBridges System Disrupted by Cyberattack

On Friday, Rhode Island took significant measures to safeguard the personal information of its residents by taking the RIBridges system offline following a cyberattack. This system is crucial for individuals seeking public assistance programs, including Medicaid, food stamps, and various state benefits.

Impact of the Cyberattack

The cyberattack has led to the RIBridges web portal and app becoming inaccessible. This disruption means that many Rhode Islanders will be unable to apply for vital assistance programs. According to reports from CBS affiliate WPRI 12, the breach may have compromised the personal data of hundreds of thousands of individuals.

Data Potentially Exposed

During a press briefing, Governor Dan McKee informed the public that attackers may have acquired sensitive details, such as names, addresses, and social security numbers, from users of the RIBridges system since 2019. This type of data breach raises serious concerns about privacy and identity theft.

Nature of the Attack

State Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information Officer Brian Tardiff clarified that the attack does not seem to be ransomware-based. Instead, he described it as an "extortion type activity" led by a cybercriminal group. This distinction indicates a targeted approach, focusing on extracting sensitive information rather than just locking systems for ransom.

Related Systems Also Affected

This cyberincident has repercussions beyond the RIBridges system. HealthSource RI, the state's healthcare marketplace, has also been impacted. The state government aims to restore access to both systems before the healthcare open enrollment period closes on January 31st.

Immediate Steps for Residents

In light of this incident, the Rhode Island government is providing alternatives for those affected. Residents can access mail-in paper applications and detailed instructions on utilizing them from the Department of Human Services website. This interim solution is vital for those needing assistance without online access.

Support for Affected Individuals

The breach update site announced that a help call center will be established, with support available starting Sunday morning from 11 AM to 8 PM ET and 9 AM to 9 PM ET on weekdays. This service aims to aid residents in navigating the implications of the breach.

Credit Monitoring Services

To further protect affected individuals, the Rhode Island government plans to provide instructions for free credit monitoring. This service will help residents monitor their credit history and detect any unauthorized activities promptly.

Conclusion

Rhode Island's swift response to the cyberattack reflects the seriousness of the situation and the state's commitment to its residents. As they work to restore services and protect personal information, residents are encouraged to stay informed and utilize available resources to mitigate potential risks.