Metro Transit of St. Louis suffers data breach

A hacker group has breached the computer systems of the local transportation agency of St. Louis and has extracted confidential data from it. The hackers are threatening to release this data unless a ransom is paid.

The initial cyber attack on the Metro Transit system occurred on October 2nd. Even a week later, services like Call-A-Ride were still facing disruptions. The agency's immediate response was to disconnect its computer systems. As of now, while transit operations are back, they've fortified their financial and payroll systems.

Metro Transit is still ascertaining whether sensitive data of their over 1,800 employees was compromised in the attack. All staff members have been made aware of the potential risk and are being offered complimentary identity protection services.

The hackers claim to have acquired sensitive information from the Metro Transit system, which includes details like passports, Social Security numbers, and tax records.

To handle the ongoing crisis, third-party cybersecurity experts are enlisted. Their responsibilities include identifying the exact nature of the breach, notifying affected individuals, and guiding the restoration process.

Since the ransom hasn't been paid, the hackers claim that the stolen data is now published on the dark web.