COLUMBUS, Ohio — Bank accounts for two Columbus Division of Police officers were hacked, sources tell 10TV's Lacey Crisp, as the city deals with a ransomware attack.
Sources say an unspecified amount of money was taken out of the accounts. The mayor's office is not commenting but says it is aware of the reports. It's unconfirmed if the hacked accounts are connected to the city's cyberattack.
“Our members have contacted me, they are clearly concerned. We were a victim of a cyberattack. The city, and not only the city but our members are concerned about their data being out there,” said Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 9 President Brian Steel.
It was nearly two weeks ago when Mayor Andrew Ginther made the decision to unplug the city from the internet to protect more data from being stolen because of a ransomware attack.
Investigators initially believed that the cybersecurity incident happened from an email link. They later discovered that a cyber threat actor gained access to the city's system through a website download.
“I was in contact with some city leaders, but in terms of communication going from the city to the officers on the street, I don't know if that is kind of flowing the way it should. It is my understanding the chief is out of town this week,” Steel said.
Steel said members should assume that their information is potentially leaked and take precautions.
So far the city has not offered any creditor monitoring systems to city employees. Steel said officers should take it upon themselves to protect their private information.
“They are calling me all day saying what should I do? I tell them, 'Monitor your credit report, monitor your finances, take some proactive steps.' If you don't have LifeLock or something monitoring, go ahead and sign up now. If for some reason down the road the city wants to reimburse you, that is great,” Steel said.