Connecticut
New Britain cyberattack may have exposed personal information, officials say
Officials in New Britain are still assessing the damage more than two months after a cyberattack hit city systems, potentially exposing some personal information.
A spokesperson for Mayor Bobby Sanchez said recently that there’s no indication of widespread exposure of resident data. However, hackers may have gained access to some sensitive records during the Jan. 28 incident, including names, dates of birth, government-issued identification numbers and financial account and health-related information, according to the city.
Officials have released few details about what occurred, citing the ongoing investigation.
“Investigations of this nature are complex and must be handled carefully to protect the integrity of the review, support any potential law enforcement activity, and ensure accurate information is shared,” said Alisha Rayner, the mayor’s spokesperson.
The city detected the attack after an employee spotted unusual activity on a workstation. Several municipal systems “experienced disruption” during the incident, though an investigation found the “unauthorized activity was more limited in scope,” according to the city.
Cyberattacks on cities and towns have grown more common. Hackers breach or damage computer systems to steal sensitive data or hold systems for ransom — a scenario officials in New Britain faced, according to Evan Allard, the director of the Connecticut Intelligence Center, which is a part of the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
“Any organization that has sensitive or private data that you know they want to keep within their own systems, these ransomware actors are targeting them because it creates a sense of urgency towards paying it back,” Allard said.
New Britain consulted with a team of response experts at Cowbell Resiliency Services to determine the best course of action. It’s unclear whether the city paid a ransom. Responding by email to questions from Connecticut Public, Rayner said the city evaluated multiple response options, including restoring from backups.
“Based on that assessment, including operational impact, recovery timelines, and overall cost considerations, a course of action was taken to resolve the incident as quickly and securely as possible,” Rayner wrote.
Rayner said the financial hit to the city was limited because New Britain carries cybersecurity insurance. It has a $25,000 deductible under the policy, she said.
New Britain is providing credit monitoring and identity protection services to people who were potentially impacted.
While the investigation continues, the Common Council voted to replace New Britain’s existing cybersecurity system. The city executed a three-year contract with Cowbell Resiliency Services that includes round-the-clock security monitoring for a cost of $66,000 per year.
“It’s a full-on platform that is a little bit more enhanced and at a larger cost,” Jonathan Delgadillo, the city’s director of support services, said at a recent meeting. “But again, I think it’s the best thing for the city,”
New Britain Alderman John McNamara said he’s satisfied with the city’s handling of the cyberattack.
“I believe the city is taking appropriate steps and is advising city employees and taxpayers on what’s going on with it,” McNamara said. “I’m looking for additional reports and to take action in terms of anything that has to be improved upon.”
Connecticut
Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts food safety concerns in Connecticut
ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WFSB) – People like Dena Pizzoferrato are changing what they put in their grocery carts after hearing about a cyclosporiasis outbreak.
“I’m kind of a little nervous so I’m looking to see what I buy right now,” Pizzoferrato said. “Today I didn’t buy any lettuce. I said I’m OK for now.”
Doctors say the illness is spread through parasites that make their way onto fresh produce. There have been 23 reported cases in Connecticut since May, but the CDC says the number is likely higher. Across the country, more than 840 cases and 86 hospitalizations have been reported in 31 states.
Symptoms include diarrhea and nausea that can last days to weeks. Doctors have not identified a source for the outbreak.
Dr. Ulysses Wu, chief epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare, said a range of produce could be contaminated.
“Typical things you would think are vegetables or fruits. In the past, it’s been raspberries, basil, cilantro. You may find it in lettuces, bagged salads. So it’s a variety of things that can be contaminated, but they have not found it at this time,” said Wu.
Wu said residents should take precautions with their produce. “Take precautions with your fruit and your produce. We give the same advice when people go overseas that you should always peel something. You should always boil something,” he said.
Doctors also recommend washing produce thoroughly if boiling is not an option, and washing hands regularly.
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Connecticut
Milford business celebrating 50th anniversary
Chip Rubenstein, owner of Chip’s Auto Sales of Milford, says he’s honored to celebrate the dealership’s 50th anniversary alongside America’s 250th birthday.
“I opened Chip’s Auto Sales in 1976, during a chaotic time for our nation in the world,” said Rubenstein, “50 years later, I am so proud of the legacy I’ve created as somebody who always tried his best to do right, and to serve my community proudly.”
Connecticut
Car catches fire in Trumbull
Intense flames engulfed a car early Saturday morning in Trumbull.
Officials say it happened around 3:30 a.m. on Richfield Drive near the Bridgeport town line.
Trumbull and Bridgeport fire crews worked to put out the flames.
It was not immediately known how the fire started or if there were any injuries.
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