(Bloomberg) -- A Rhode Island computer system for managing public benefits was breached by hackers who have threatened to release personal data unless they receive a payment.
The cybercriminal group obtained the sensitive data of state residents that may be exposed “as early as this coming week,” Governor Dan McKee said Saturday at a news conference. Deloitte is the state’s vendor to manage the system, according to the governor.
The portal, called RIBridges, is used for benefits including health coverage purchased through HealthSource RI, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Child Care Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. It’s been shut down to address the threat.
According to a statement from the governor’s office, Deloitte has indicated that the information involved may include names, addresses, dates of birth and Social Security numbers, as well as certain banking information.
Spokespeople for Deloitte didn’t return phone messages left outside regular business hours.
Officials recommended that potentially affected users of RIBridges change passwords on sensitive accounts and implement two-factor authentication protocols.
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