Residents relying on the CodeRED emergency alert system experienced a significant disruption earlier this month when the service was knocked offline following a cyberattack. In light of the incident, which occurred on November 11, officials maintained that no user data had been compromised. However, the ensuing investigation has taken a new turn, with revelations that user data may have been extracted from the system by cybercriminals.
In an update to customers, OnSolve, the company behind CodeRED, disclosed, "Our forensic analysis continues to indicate that this is an incident strictly contained within the OnSolve CodeRED environment with no contagion beyond." Despite initial assurances, the company has now learned that data from its legacy platform was unauthorizedly removed, though not yet published online. according to the City of Weston's announcement, the information at risk includes contact details and passwords.
In the wake of this breach, the City has disabled the CodeRED enrollment link and is migrating to a new system for issuing emergency alerts. They have indicated that details on this new system will be shared in the near future. For those users with accounts that may be compromised, particularly where passwords are reused across different sites or services, the recommendation is urgency in changing them.
The City is now guiding residents and visitors to alternative platforms for emergency updates, including social media and neighborhood apps. The City of Weston's statement advised, "If you used a password, and use that password in other areas, you should change the password anywhere else that you are using it." They urge continued vigilance and promise further updates as information from CodeRED becomes available.
