The Syracuse Police Department in Syracuse, New York, recently reported a security incident affecting its computer network. The department announced that it had suspended the use of its systems to ensure security and is actively working on restoring access. While officials have not confirmed the specific nature of the incident, there has been speculation that it may be related to a ransomware attack, a type of cybercrime that has increasingly targeted public agencies such as police departments and hospitals.
The police department is taking measures to introduce additional security protocols while investigating the breach. During the investigation, access to the department’s network will remain limited to minimize further risks. As part of their response, they are working on identifying the damage and resolving the issue, though it is unclear how long the recovery process may take.
Experts have weighed in on the situation, with Talas Security’s Paul Marco suggesting that removing the compromised system from the network is crucial.
Marco emphasized that this step is necessary to prevent the attacker from causing further disruption while allowing the department to assess the full extent of the breach. The police department’s spokesperson has not provided specific details on how the attack occurred or when it was first detected.
The impact of the security breach might extend beyond the Syracuse Police Department, possibly affecting the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department, as both departments share some databases and data. As the investigation progresses, officials are focusing on restoring secure access to the network and preventing similar incidents from happening in the future.
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