Residents of Cuyahoga County are facing heightened concern following a cybersecurity breach involving the Emergency Alert System. The incident, which affects the OnSolve CodeRED platform, has raised alarms as it potentially exposed subscriber information from the ReadyNotify service. This breach, discovered on October 3, 2023, by the Office of Emergency Management, has implications for numerous municipalities that rely on this system for critical alerts.
The breach was confirmed during a routine security assessment, revealing vulnerabilities in the third-party system operated by Crisis24. It is important to note that CodeRED functions independently from Cuyahoga County’s IT infrastructure, which means the county’s direct systems remain unaffected. However, the data compromised includes names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and subscription lists, though no financial or highly sensitive personal information was reported as leaked.
In response to the situation, Cuyahoga County officials have issued a strong advisory to residents enrolled in the ReadyNotify system. They are encouraging individuals to enhance their cybersecurity measures immediately. Recommendations include resetting passwords for their ReadyNotify accounts and any other accounts using similar credentials, enabling multi-factor authentication, and monitoring financial accounts for unusual activity. These actions are being framed not just as prudent measures but as essential steps in maintaining digital hygiene.
The county has emphasized the importance of vigilance in the wake of this incident. Residents are urged to report any suspicious or unlawful activity that may arise in connection with the breach to local law enforcement. This proactive approach aims to mitigate potential fallout from the breach and to empower residents in safeguarding their personal information.
As the investigation continues, Crisis24 has yet to disclose the full extent of the breach or any specific remedial actions being implemented. The lack of information has contributed to growing unease among residents, who are now tasked with taking steps to protect their digital identities. The response from county officials underscores a collective responsibility to foster a safer online environment in the aftermath of this cybersecurity incident.
Cuyahoga County remains committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity and the need for individuals to remain informed and vigilant in an increasingly digital world.
