A ransomware gang’s threat against the Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA) has escalated after a devastating attack in May that left the organization incapacitated for weeks. The Black Basta ransomware gang has begun posting sensitive personal information tied to the attack, including social security cards of those connected to the RHA.
The initial attack in May resulted in a complete system crash, halting operations and necessitating the intervention of cybersecurity experts from the National Guard and FBI. Despite the RHA’s attempts to recover, the recent data exposure by the ransomware gang has intensified the threat.
The attack on the RHA, which oversees over 1,400 public housing units, triggered a series of disruptions that left the organization inoperative for days. The involvement of seven cybersecurity officials from the National Guard and assistance from the FBI were required to initiate recovery efforts.
Although the RHA communicated its crisis response through a phone line, the attack affected around 6,000 Raleigh residents who rely on its services. The CEO of RHA, Ashley Lommers-Johnson, expressed the organization’s commitment to identifying the threat actors, understanding the extent of system penetration, and restoring regular business operations.
The Black Basta ransomware gang’s latest move involves posting troves of stolen sensitive information, such as government IDs and financial documents, further deepening the breach’s impact.
Unfortunately, housing authorities across the U.S. have increasingly become targets for ransomware gangs, with instances reported in Los Angeles, Chattanooga, Indianapolis, and Cleveland.
These attacks, including the notorious Black Basta gang’s actions, are part of a larger trend where cybercriminals target under-resourced local government agencies, exposing critical vulnerabilities in their cybersecurity measures.
