Rhode Island
Call center is now open to answer questions about RIBridges cyberattack. What to know.
How to avoid scams and frauds online
Avoid scams and frauds online with these cybersecurity tips.
PROVIDENCE – Vendors working for the state have set up a call center to answer customer questions following the cyberattack earlier this month on Rhode Island’s public benefits computer system in which private information from hundreds of thousands of people was stolen.
Deloitte, the information technology company that built and runs the system known as RIBridges and UHIP, contracted credit reporting agency Experian to run the multilingual call that opened Sunday morning.
The toll-free hotline can be reached at 833-918-6603. It was set to remain open on Sunday until 8 p.m. and then continue operating from Mondays to Fridays between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
“Call center staff will be able to provide general information about the breach as well as steps customers can take now to protect their data,” a news release from the Gov. Dan McKee’s office said. “Unfortunately, as the analysis of the data involved is still happening, call center staff will not be able to confirm whether a particular individual’s data is or is not included in the breach at this time.”
“Once the impacted individuals are identified, they will be mailed a letter with the information they need to secure free credit monitoring services,” the release continued.
The RIBridges system was shut down on Friday after Deloitte discovered dangerous malware embedded in its computer code. On Saturday, McKee said that the cybercriminals had stolen the personal data belonging to hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders. A negotiator has been holding ransom talks with the criminals, and it’s believed the data could be exposed as early as this week, the governor said at a news conference.
Individuals who have received or applied for health coverage or health and human services programs or benefits could be affected by the data breach. The programs managed by the RIBridges system include:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
- Health coverage purchased through HealthSource RI
- Rhode Island Works (RIW)
- Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)
- General Public Assistance (GPA) Program
- At HOME Cost Share
State officials have urged anyone who has applied for benefits through the system since 2016 to change passwords and monitor their bank accounts for suspicious charges.
The state has set up a website to provide information about the attack and steps customers can take to protect their data. It’s located at cyberalert.ri.gov.
Deloitte first alerted the state and police about a potential attack on Dec. 5. McKee said the state did not disclose that there could be a problem until the breach could be confirmed and to prevent triggering the release of personal data.
He said he did not know how much money the hackers demanded, because Deloitte was communicating with them. However, he said he would have the final say on the decision to pay a ransom.
(WJAR) — Thirty-two years ago was the commissioning of a Navy submarine named after the Ocean State.
Maria Stephanos was on board the USS Rhode Island on July 9, 1994.
Rhode Island was the Navy’s 15th Trident class ballistic submarine.
It was commissioned in Newport and was the first to be christened in its namesake state.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — They come from all walks of life, including many professionals in the community, taking time out of their busy days to welcome students to school with enthusiasm and handshakes.
“We learn a lot of new handshakes, too,” Kobi Dennis said. “High-fives. Pounds with an explosion. We get a little bit of everything.”
It’s the Handshake Initiative, the brainchild of now Central Falls Police Chief Anthony Roberson.
Everybody can use some encouragement, and students in Rhode Island get that the minute they head toward the school building.
Initially, the students and parents didn’t know what to think.
“I was confused because I thought it was going to be a normal day,” said one student.
“Their parents were getting out of their cars trying to see what’s going on,” Reservoir Avenue School Principal Cynthia Torres said.
But now, they crave it.
“It makes me feel motivated,” another student said.
Dennis adds in an etiquette component.
“Teaching the kids how to shake hands, look one another in the eyes with a firm grip — girl or guy — firm grip and say ‘hello’ and introduce yourself, that’s part of the initiative as well,” Dennis said.
Providence school superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez said it sends a strong message.
“We hear you, we see you, and we’re here for you,” Montañez said.
Torres strategically uses them on standardized test days.
“They say, ‘I’m going to do really good today,’” she said.
“It makes me feel encouraged to do better in school,” a student said.
They’ve connected with thousands of students across Rhode Island.
“It’s about shaking hands and building relationships, but it’s also about letting young people know that there are professionals in the community cheering for them every single day,” Dennis said.
Do you know of a nonprofit organization or volunteers doing great work in your community? Fill out a short nomination form for “Community Treasures.”
A man was critically hurt in a stabbing in Providence on Tuesday, NBC affiliate WJAR-TV reports.
Police were first called to Smith Street around 7 p.m. for the reported stabbing. They found the victim on Chalkstone Avenue.
He was taken to the hospital where he remains in critical condition.
The case remains under investigation and no arrests were announced.
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