Suffolk’s IT Dept. Got Millions For Security Before Attack: Report

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Nearly $4 million for security upgrades was given to Suffolk’s Internet Technology department six months before the cyberattack, according to records from a legislative meeting that News 12 obtained.

The funds were allocated by the Legislature for technology upgrades, computer replacement, and disaster recovery projects on March 8, and County Executive Steve Bellone’s office says some of them have been completed though others are still in the process, the outlet reported.

IT Commissioner Scott Mastellon told lawmakers at the meeting that the department has around 10,000 employees who are on high alert and work closely with the state’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, according to the outlet.

Twenty-seven devices, which may cost between $20,000 and $30,000 apiece, needed replacement by the end of the year, but it’s not clear if that project was undertaken before the attack, News 12 reported.

Earlier this week, a special legislative committee was formed to examine what lead to the attack and how taxpayer money has been spent to protect the county’s cybersecurity, Newsday reported.

Suffolk’s web-based applications were attacked Sept. 8, forcing officials to take down some of its services, including web pages and email, while they undertook an investigation. The attack has since been deemed a ransomware attack.

A cybercriminal gang named “BlackCat” has alleged responsibility, according to posts on the dark web.

County officials have previously said that the hackers responsible for the cyberattack had either accessed or acquired residents’ personal information and they advised vigilant credit monitoring.

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