Nassau Bay, a city in Harris County, Texas, acknowledged falling victim to a ransomware attack, impacting over 8,000 individuals. Officials notified affected clients about the incident on November 22nd, revealing that certain systems and files were encrypted in a data security breach.
The attack, which occurred on May 23rd, 2023, prompted an internal investigation, exposing the unauthorized removal of files containing sensitive information, including financial account details, credit/debit card numbers, security codes, access codes, passwords, and PINs. Nassau Bay authorities assert they have found no evidence of financial fraud or identity theft resulting from the data breach.
The affected city, with a population of 5,347, reported that 8,839 people were impacted by the ransomware attack. Notably, the breach did not lead to the provision of free credit monitoring or identity theft protection services for those affected.
Nassau Bay City Manager Nathan Burd assured the public that, despite the data compromise, there is no evidence indicating financial fraud or identity theft linked to the exposed information. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of ransomware attacks targeting municipalities and the potential risks associated with the compromise of sensitive personal data.
The lack of complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services for the affected individuals raises concerns about the potential long-term consequences and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. The incident underscores the importance of preventive measures, prompt disclosure, and proactive security strategies to mitigate the impact of ransomware attacks on municipalities and protect the personal information of residents.
