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Rubio Statement on Riviera Beach, FL Ransomware Attack

Statement

Date: June 20, 2019
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security Technology and Communication

Today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following statement regarding the recent ransomware attack on Riviera Beach, FL that paralyzed the city's computer systems and resulted in the city paying hackers nearly $600,000 to restore the network:

"My office is in contact with the local government, the FBI, and Department of Homeland Security regarding the recent ransomware attack on Riviera Beach," Rubio said. "That taxpayers had to pay nearly $600,000 in ransom to cyber-criminals is unacceptable. These attacks will only become more common unless we take action. Federal, state, and local governments must protect their networks, educate their workforces, and ensure best cyber practices to help prevent these types of cyber-attacks by criminals and potentially hostile foreign governments. I urge state and local governments to utilize the services provided by the Department of Homeland Security to help protect their networks."


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