On Monday August 5, 2024, Channel 10 innocuously reported in North Miami city business on hold after cyber breach, “It happened on Sunday, forcing City Hall to close on Monday with no word on when it will reopen to the public.” Furthermore, “The city called what happened a ‘possible breach affecting (its) network system.'”
In other words, no one knew how it happened — or how bad it would get.
The next day, in North Miami City Hall remains closed following possible cyberattack., Channel 10 reported, “There has still been no word on who is behind it, or what, if anything, is being demanded,” and “Officials also cannot say if residents’ personal data or city personnel data have been compromised, or if any of the city’s financial tools or bank accounts have been impacted.”
In a follow up article on Wednesday, Feds help investigate ransomware used in cyberattack against North Miami government, it was reported:
Saying “It’s just business,” ransomware criminals engaged in a cyberattack against the North Miami government this week.
The city’s IT started to investigate on Sunday. And by Monday afternoon, North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme described the hack as “unexpected issues” and “unforeseen circumstances.”
Desulme announced trouble with the city’s IT infrastructure had prompted him to close City Hall temporarily. The city also stopped accepting electronic payments.
Still no answers on how this “breach” happened or if anyone’s personal information had been compromised.
This morning, one week after the City was shut down, some questions were answered in North Miami City Hall to reopen after cyberattack; mayor says his Gmail was hacked.
According to this article, Mayor Alix Desulme issued a statement that the cyberattack “was the result of ‘unauthorized access’ to his personal Gmail account.”
Hackers stole “sensitive personal information,” he said, and his passport, bank and credit card information, as well as “private images,” were “potentially compromised.”
According to the Mayor, City Hall will reopen tomorrow “with limited services.”
The article further reported:
Federal authorities are aiding in the city’s investigation into the breach. It’s not clear if personal data from residents or city workers was leaked.
North Miami has set up a hotline for residents with questions. Residents can call 305-895-9804.
I’m sure City Hall officials will be transparent and forthcoming.
That’s the story in a nutshell.
At least that’s the “official” story.
Meanwhile, sources have told VotersOpinion that on or around July 11, 2024 — one month ago — Mayor Desulme told Interim City Manager Anna-Bo Emmanuel that his Gmail accounts had been compromised, and SHE DID NOTHING!
Also, the administration had a legal obligation to notify the city’s residents, businesses and vendors that their personal information may have been compromised, and SHE DID NOTHING!
This ongoing fiasco was made possible by the three corrupt elected officials, Mary Estimé-Irvin, Kassandra Timothe, and Pierre Frantz Charles, who conspired behind closed doors to fire Rasha Cameau, the best and most professional City Manager in North Miami in more than two decades.
Because politics.
These three clowns then conspired to appoint an incompetent, but politically connected, member of the North Miami Friends & Family Plan to take Rasha’s place.
Make no mistake, if Rasha Cameau were still at the helm, this crisis would have been handled immediately and effectively!
Under her expert and professional leadership, North Miami’s reputation and financial health were making a comeback.
But once again, in typical North Miami fashion, crooked politicians were determined to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
North Miami remains a cesspool of corruption, and the only ones who suffer are its taxpaying residents and business owners.
But, fear not. There are a few silver linings to these dark clouds hanging over City Hall.
For one thing, this November 5th voters have a chance to clean house.
Appointed-Not-Elected Councilman Pierre Franz Charles has four, count ’em, four challengers for his seat in District 4.
And The Committee to Recall Mary Estimé-Irvin in District 3 is gaining support.
Then there’s the lawsuit filed by North Miami Eileen Bicaba against Estimé-Irvin, Timothe, and Charles for violating the North Miami City Charter, which we will be reporting on as the case proceeds.
Stay tuned.
Stephanie
This event raises several concerns:
Is the city considering paying the cybercriminals, which might not be the wisest decision?
Could the perpetrators be council members themselves, or could there be a connection to them?
How did a Gmail account compromise the city’s internal systems?
Did the city have any measures in place to prevent a security breach?
Sensitive photos? That’s where this sounds interesting.
In answer to your questions:
I don’t think the North Miami has a choice, and the scammers know it.
The perpetrator are obviously intelligent and tech savvy. So, no. I don’t think it’s a council member behind the scam. A connection? Hmmm.
The city allows users to access their personal accounts, i.e., Gmail. This is not uncommon. I was also told that the City sent out an email to all employees to stop accessing their Gmail accounts via the City server.
If the City had any measures in place to prevent a security breach, obviously someone dropped the ball. Unfortunately, this is not surprising considering the City’s Friends & Family hiring practices. Just saying.
Sensitive photos? None of our business! People are entitled to privacy!
You don’t give in to criminals and feed their bank accounts. Look into what other cities have done.
“PRIVATE IMAGES” oh boy, might have some blackmail/email $$$$$$$$ money for these images. Sounds juicey!!
Ransomware sucks and can happen anywhere. It literally shuts down your network and is a nightmare for anyone working in I.T. Unfortunately the only solution is to pay the ransom ♀️