Washington DC police personnel files accessed by hackers in ransomware attack: CNN

Hackers obtained the personnel files of some Washington, DC police department officers in a ransomware attack disclosed on Monday, CNN quoted the department’s acting police chief as saying late on Thursday.

“HR-related files with personally identifiable information were obtained,” Robert Contee wrote in an email to staff, according to CNN.

US media on Monday reported that the police department has engaged the FBI after its server was hacked, with a Russian-speaking ransomware group named Babuk claiming responsibility.

Ransomware groups hold files and networks hostage unless a payment is made. The US Department of Homeland Security has said that dealing with such groups is a top priority.

“As we continue to determine the size and scope of this breach, please note that the mechanism that allowed the unauthorized access was blocked,” Contee wrote, adding that the department was “working to identify all impacted personnel.”

The police department did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for a comment.