Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
- The Ohio National Guard Cyber Reserve has concluded its investigation into the recent ransomware attack on the city of Columbus.
- The reservists were called in after hackers stole sensitive data from city files.
An Ohio National Guard unit dedicated to investigating cyber security breaches in the state has completed its probe into a ransomware attack on the city of Columbus. The cyber reserve, made up of 178 volunteers with cyber security experience, was asked to assist by Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther after hackers stole over a quarter of a million city files containing personal information. The group was created by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019 to address cyber attacks and cultivate a skilled workforce for the future.
Deputy Commander Duane Powell confirmed that the report on the investigation has been submitted to city officials, although its contents have not been disclosed. While the reserve unit did not comment on specifics, they typically provide recommendations to prevent future breaches in their reports. The group is actively recruiting volunteers with at least five years of cyber security experience to bolster their current roster and combat cyber threats across Ohio.
Deputy Commander Powell emphasized the importance of vigilance in the face of organized and well-funded cyber criminals, highlighting the need for a strong defense. The cyber reserve’s efforts focus on identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening security measures to protect sensitive information from malicious actors.
