Borough of Union Beach Suffers Ransomware Attack by Onyx Group

Victim Profile

The Borough of Union Beach is a local government entity in New Jersey that plays a vital role in the community by providing essential services and managing various community events and initiatives. Its website serves as a platform for local news, announcements, and updates on projects critical to the borough's infrastructure and community welfare.

Company Size and Industry Standout

Despite being a small organization with limited resources, the Borough of Union Beach is pivotal in ensuring public safety, maintaining infrastructure, and fostering community engagement. Its commitment to transparency and community involvement is evident through its detailed website, which includes information on meetings, events, and local projects.

Vulnerabilities and Targeting

The limited cybersecurity resources and potential lack of expertise make the Borough of Union Beach, like many local government entities, susceptible to ransomware attacks. The Onyx group, also known for its alias LockBit, targets a diverse range of victims, including those within the government sector, exploiting such vulnerabilities. This group's prolific nature and its history of significant attacks underscore the critical need for robust cybersecurity defenses in local government entities.

Mitigation and Response

In response to the ransomware attack, the Borough of Union Beach must focus on restoring its systems and data securely and efficiently. This process may require collaboration with cybersecurity professionals, law enforcement, and, in some cases, the consideration of ransom payments. Post-attack, it is imperative for the borough to enhance its cybersecurity posture through comprehensive reviews and the implementation of advanced security measures, such as software updates, employee cybersecurity training, and stronger access controls.

Sources

• Borough of Union Beach Website
• Borough of Union Beach News & Announcements
• FBI and Allies Seize Dark-Web Site of World's Most Prolific Ransomware Group, LockBit
• US and UK Disrupt LockBit Ransomware Variant