Summary
The city of Long Beach, California, experienced a cyber attack in November 2023 that momentarily took most of its systems offline and reduced the government website to a basic version. Following the attack, an emergency proclamation was approved to expedite the city manager’s response, while investigations by the Technology and Innovation Department, along with external cybersecurity professionals and the FBI, were launched.
Recent disclosures suggest that sensitive personal information belonging to some residents may have been accessed, including data such as names, financial details, and health information. To date, over 305,000 individuals have been informed about the breach, and the city is offering resources to help safeguard against identity theft.
Key Points
- The cyber attack occurred in November 2023, leading to a temporary shutdown of city systems.
- Investigation revealed that sensitive personal information may have been accessed.
- 305,347 notification letters are being sent to those potentially impacted.
- Data possibly accessed includes names, financial information, Social Security numbers, and health records.
- The city has established a call centre to assist affected residents and is offering credit-monitoring services.
Why should I read this?
If you live in Long Beach or have any ties there, this article is definitely a must-read! It highlights a significant cyber incident that could affect countless residents. Knowing what’s at stake can help you stay vigilant about your personal information and understand the steps the city is taking to resolve the issue. Plus, it’s a good reminder for everyone about the importance of cybersecurity—because this could happen anywhere!