Baltimore City Government Attacked by Ransomware

Exploit: Ransomware
Baltimore City Government: City government serving Baltimore, Maryland
 

Risk to Small Business: 1.888 = Severe: A ransomware attack has disabled nearly all computerized functions for the Baltimore City Government, including email, online payment platforms, and more. Business operations have been interrupted for “almost every department,” and city officials have started using library computer labs to process payroll for employees. It’s entirely possible that paychecks for city employees will be delayed, which can ultimately cause staff members to leave.

Individual Risk: 2.428 = Severe: Citing concerns about revealing the network vulnerability, city officials have not disclosed information about the breach. However, there is no indication that personal data was compromised as part of this breach.

Customers Impacted: Unknown

How it Could Affect Your Customers’ Business: When adding up the costs of a data breach or ransomware attack, it’s important to consider the residual effects that take shape in the wake of a security incident. After factoring in the losses that result from customer and employee attrition, the ROI of security training and awareness solutions becomes irrefutable.

Risk Levels:

1 - 1.5 = Extreme Risk
1.51 - 2.49 = Severe Risk
2.5 - 3 = Moderate Risk

*The risk score is calculated using a formula that considers a wide range of factors related to the assessed breach.