D.C.’s GALA Hispanic Theatre fell victim to a cyber attack during a routine wire transfer, resulting in a loss exceeding $250,000, as reported by Rebecca Medrano, the theatre’s co-founder. The incident occurred when the theatre’s accountant, in the process of sending a standard wire transfer to a New York properties designer, received a screen message indicating unauthorized access to the system. Despite immediate action and contacting the bank, Citibank, the theatre faced challenges in stopping the fraudulent activity. GALA Hispanic Theatre expressed concern over the prolonged recovery period, which could take anywhere from 90 days to eight months, potentially posing a severe threat to the theatre’s financial stability.
Rebecca Medrano emphasized the peculiar aspect that Citibank was unable to prevent the fraudulent transaction, and the theatre was not notified by the bank. The theatre promptly filed police and FBI reports, underlining the urgency of addressing the cybersecurity breach. As the theatre prepares for its upcoming production, “Las Hermanas Palacios” (The Palacios Sisters), scheduled for the next month, Medrano conveyed determination to move forward despite the financial setback. GALA Hispanic Theatre’s website carries a message explaining the situation, and the community response has been notable, with over $20,000 raised by midday Friday, reflecting solidarity and support in the face of adversity.
The cyber attack on GALA Hispanic Theatre underscores the vulnerability of cultural institutions to cybercrime, emphasizing the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential financial risks faced by organizations during routine financial transactions and highlights the importance of swift and effective response mechanisms. The theatre’s resolve to continue its productions despite the financial loss showcases resilience and community support, emphasizing the role of public awareness and fundraising efforts in mitigating the impact of cyber attacks on cultural entities.
