Calvià City Council Refuses €10 Million Ransom Demand After Ransomware Attack

In an act of defiance against cybercriminals, the Calvià City Council has taken a bold stance by refusing to pay a €10 million ransom demand. The council is now focused on restoring its systems after a devastating ransomware attack that crippled most city services over the weekend.

Details of the Recovery Process

The City Council recently provided an update on its website, outlining the ongoing forensic investigation and its comprehensive recovery process roadmap. It stated that it aims to restore 90% of the city’s tax management and collection services by January 29th, with a gradual recovery of other systems to follow.

Collaboration with Cybersecurity Experts

To combat this attack, the City Council has been working closely with the National Cryptologic Center Computer Emergency Response Team (CCN-CERT). This collaboration ensures that top cybersecurity professionals are involved in the investigation and recovery efforts.

Impact of the Attack

Ryan McConechy, Chief Technology Officer of Barrier Networks, described the ransomware attack as a major incident that severely affected services in Mallorca. This highlights the staggering impact such attacks can have on local communities and organizations.

Investigation and Data Security Concerns

The Council is currently focused on determining the extent of the breach and whether any sensitive information was exfiltrated by the ransomware operators. Additionally, they are diligently working to ensure that no backdoors were left behind in the city’s networks, which could lead to future attacks.

Ransom Demand and Refusal

The unidentified ransom gang made a demand of 10 million euros from the Calvià City Council. However, Mayor Juan Antonio Amengual publicly announced that the Council would not give in to the demands. This uncompromising stance sends a strong message that the Council will not engage in any business with the perpetrators.

Support for the Mayor’s Decision

Ryan McConechy commends the Mayor’s commitment not to pay the ransom. This sends a clear signal that organizations must stand firm against cybercriminals and not incentivize their actions. It is crucial for businesses and individuals alike to prioritize proactive defense measures to prevent such ransomware attacks.

The refusal of the Calvià City Council to pay the hefty ransom demand sets an important precedent in the fight against cybercrime. The recovery process is underway, and steps are being taken to strengthen the city’s cyber defenses. This incident highlights the pressing need for all businesses, big or small, to prioritize their cybersecurity efforts. By investing in robust defense systems and staying up to date with the latest security practices, organizations can better protect themselves from the growing threat of ransomware attacks.

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