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Cyber Attack on a US railroad company Poses a Threat to the Security of the Country’s Transportation System

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ByHarper Stewart

May 26, 2023
Cyber Attack on a US railroad company Poses a Threat to the Security of the Country's Transportation System
Harper Stewart
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The company has been working to safeguard the critical infrastructure of the United States against this attack.

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC), a transportation company in Alaska, recently suffered a cyberattack resulting in the theft of sensitive data belonging to its employees and suppliers. ARRC operates passenger and freight trains on Alaska’s second-class railroad, which is crucial infrastructure in the US.

Although the exact date of the cyberattack is unknown, it is believed to have taken place on December 25, 2022, but was only disclosed publicly on April 17, 2023. ARRC stated that an unauthorized third party gained access to its internal network systems causing the breach.

ARRC discovered the attack on March 18, 2023, and took immediate action to contain it, but delayed reporting it publicly to coordinate with law enforcement in the investigation.

ARRC is now working to improve its security measures and is offering free identity theft protection services to those affected by the breach.

The incident highlights the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity measures for critical infrastructure and prompt reporting of cyberattacks to mitigate their impact.

What Was Among the Stolen Data

The stolen information includes a range of personal data such as names, birth dates, social security numbers, driver’s license and other identification documents, and taxpayer identification numbers. Moreover, the leaked data contained particularly sensitive information such as details about the affected individuals’ health insurance, drug test results, performance appraisals, and birth or marriage certificates.

The extent of the data breach has been confirmed by the Maine Attorney General’s Office, which reported that 7,413 people have been affected by the incident. It is undoubtedly a concerning development, particularly considering the scope of the leaked information and the potential consequences it may have for those affected.

 
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Harper Stewart

With a deep understanding of the complexities of the Dark Web, Harper curates informative and thought-provoking content for our readers. Her knowledge of the hidden corners of the internet and cybersecurity helps shed light on the often mysterious and illicit activities that take place in this realm.