The rise in digital hacks is causing headaches for Florida’s agencies, hospitals, and businesses. According to Researchers at the University of Maryland, cybercrimes occur every 39 seconds, with Florida documenting 19 cyber-attacks so far this year. Elizabeth Rasnick, Ph.D., from the Center for Cyber Security at the University of West Florida, emphasized the importance of training and education to prevent such attacks.
The Florida Department of Health recently experienced a cyber-attack on its Vital Statistics System, affecting funeral homes and causing delays in issuing death certificates. State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo assured that efforts are underway to restore the system.
Funeral homes are not the only ones affected by cyber-attacks. Car dealers across the country faced slow sales after CDK Global, an automotive software provider, was hit by ransomware. Trey Purvis, a car sales manager in Tallahassee, described the challenges faced due to the attack.
Even the Juvenile Justice Department and Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa fell victim to cyber-attacks earlier this year. Matt Aubin, a Digital Forensics Examiner in Tampa, stressed the importance of cybersecurity software to protect data from hackers.
Florida law prohibits paying ransom for cyberattacks, so agencies will need to find alternative ways to recover stolen data. It is crucial for companies and government agencies to prioritize cybersecurity measures to prevent data breaches and protect sensitive information.