According to Daily Mail, a ransomware attack has disrupted police and fire emergency dispatch 911 services across several cities in Southern California.
The incident, which occurred on June 16, has impacted Manhattan Beach, Culver City, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Hawthorne, and Gardena.
The ransomware attack, identified as the work of the DragonForce group, has caused significant operational challenges for emergency services in these areas. The South Bay Regional Public Communications Authority (SBRPCA) confirmed the impact on these cities, causing delays and disruptions in emergency response times.
Ransomware Attacks on the Rise Nationwide
Ransomware attacks have doubled over the past year, with cybercriminals increasingly using AI to target a variety of institutions, including hospitals and other critical facilities. These attacks often result in the theft of sensitive data and significant financial losses.
Notably, DragonForce has been responsible for several high-profile cyber incidents in recent months. The group previously targeted Yakult Australia, stealing 95GB of data from the company’s IT systems in Australia and New Zealand. Another attack on Coca-Cola Singapore resulted in the theft of over 400GB of data.
In December 2023, DragonForce executed its largest heist, breaching the Ohio Lottery and stealing more than 1.5 million records. This attack affected approximately 538,000 individuals, according to a report by Data Breach Today.
Broader Impact of Cyber Attacks on Healthcare
In addition to targeting emergency services, cyberattacks have severely impacted the healthcare sector. On August 4, 2023, a significant data security incident occurred at facilities operated by Prospect Medical Holdings. This incident affected 16 hospitals across five states, serving around 600,000 patients.
The attack forced some emergency rooms to close and led to the diversion of ambulances, causing widespread disruption in medical services. Primary care services were also affected as security experts worked to assess and mitigate the damage.
The FBI has issued warnings about the increasing frequency of cyberattacks on hospitals, noting that the healthcare sector has been hit harder than any other industry. The FBI’s latest internet crime report revealed that in 2023, nearly 1,200 organizations were affected by ransomware, with medical groups comprising the largest number of victims.
Ongoing Threats to Personal Data Security
A related development has issued an urgent warning to all 1.46 billion iPhone users regarding a new cyber threat targeting Apple IDs. Bad actors are using SMS phishing campaigns to deceive users into providing their Apple ID information.
California-based Symantec security firm discovered the phishing attack this month. The fraudulent messages prompt users to visit a link under the guise of an 'important request' about their iCloud accounts. These links lead to fake websites designed to steal personal information.
Conclusion
The recent ransomware attack on Southern California's emergency services highlights the growing threat of cybercrime, impacting various sectors and causing widespread disruption. DragonForce's involvement in multiple high-profile cyber incidents underscores the persistent and evolving nature of these threats. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and frequent, organizations and individuals must remain vigilant and adopt robust security measures to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure.
