The City of St. Cloud in Florida has alerted its residents to be cautious of identity theft and fraud following a cyberattack in March 2024. The attack disrupted phone lines and online payment systems, prompting the city to hire third-party cybersecurity specialists. These experts confirmed that the compromised systems contained sensitive personal information such as names, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, medical and health insurance information, and financial account details.
The exact number of individuals affected by the breach is still under investigation. The city plans to send notification letters to those impacted once the investigation is complete. In compliance with the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule, the city has reported the incident to the HHS’ Office for Civil Rights, initially estimating at least 501 individuals affected. This number will be updated as more information becomes available.
In response to the breach, St. Cloud officials have taken steps to enhance their cybersecurity measures. They have applied for a $100,000 grant from the Florida Department of Management Services to fund additional security software. This move aims to prevent future attacks and safeguard the city’s systems and residents’ personal information.
City officials are committed to keeping residents informed and ensuring the protection of their personal data. The breach highlights the ongoing threat of cyberattacks on municipal systems and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Residents are encouraged to monitor their personal accounts for any suspicious activity and take necessary precautions to protect their information.
