A significant cyberattack has targeted Rhode Island's online social services portal, RIBridges, potentially compromising the personal data of hundreds of thousands of residents who have used state programs over the past eight years. The breach, confirmed by the state's vendor Deloitte, has likely exposed sensitive information including Social Security numbers, bank account details, names, addresses, and dates of birth. The cyberattack has led to the shutdown of the RIBridges system, impacting the ability of residents to access and apply for benefits.
Hackers are demanding a ransom payment and are threatening to release the stolen information if their demands are not met, which state officials are describing as an extortion attempt. Affected programs include Medicaid, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and HealthSource RI, the state's healthcare marketplace. Rhode Island residents are now required to submit paper applications while the system is down. The state government plans to mail instructions for free credit monitoring to affected individuals and has established a call center to provide support.