Rhode Island Data Breach: Social Services Portal Hacked, Personal Data at Risk
Cyberattack Targets Critical State Systems
Hundreds of thousands of Rhode Island residents may have had their personal information compromised in a significant cyberattack targeting the state’s social services portal. Governor Dan McKee’s office confirmed a “high probability” that sensitive personally identifiable information was breached during the incident.
Affected Systems and Programs
The attack focused on two critical state systems:
- RIBridges: The primary portal for accessing social services including:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Other health and human services programs
- HealthSource RI: The state’s health insurance marketplace
According to official state communications, any individual who has applied for or received benefits through these systems could be affected.
Potentially Compromised Data
The breach may have exposed sensitive information including:
- Full names
- Residential addresses
- Dates of birth
- Social Security numbers
- Banking information
Timeline of the Attack
- December 5: Deloitte, the contractor operating RIBridges, notified the state of a potential security incident
- December 13: Confirmation of “malicious code” in the system
- System Response: The state and Deloitte proactively took the system offline to contain the threat
Current Status and Alternatives
While the online portal remains offline, Rhode Island residents can still:
- Submit paper applications for benefits
- Contact local social services offices for assistance
Ransomware Threat Emerges
The New York Times reports that cybercriminals have claimed responsibility for the attack, threatening to release stolen data unless a ransom is paid. State officials, including Chief Digital Officer Brian Tardiff, addressed these threats during a December 14 press conference.
Next Steps for Affected Residents
The state is expected to provide additional guidance on:
- Credit monitoring services
- Identity theft protection
- Steps to secure personal information
Residents are advised to monitor official state communications for updates and remain vigilant against potential phishing attempts or identity theft.
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