HomeTeamNS servers hit by ransomware attack; no signs data was stolen
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
HomeTeamNS has changed all the passwords of its administrative accounts following the ransomware incident.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
Follow topic:
SINGAPORE - A ransomware attack discovered on Feb 25 affected access to HomeTeamNS servers that contained employee data past and present, with no evidence so far that any data was stolen.
HomeTeamNS, in a statement on March 3, said it disabled the affected servers and isolated them from its IT network at once, before bringing in experts from outside the organisation to investigate and fix the problem.
It is also working with the authorities, it added.
HomeTeamNS said: “As part of our remediation efforts, the passwords of all our administrative accounts have been changed, and security scans and firewalls have been further enhanced to strengthen our network security.”
Apart from employee data, the affected servers also contained vehicle details of some of its members.
“At this time, there is no evidence of data extraction, but we are monitoring closely,” said HomeTeamNS.
Ransomware is a malicious software designed to block access to a computer system, often until a sum of money is paid.
HomeTeamNS is a non-profit body set up to recognise the contributions of NSmen from Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force.
Those who have been affected by the cyber attack have been contacted, said HomeTeamNS, and they are getting help in protecting themselves from phishing or unauthorised transactions and to minimise the impact from the incident.
In an e-mail seen by The Straits Times that was sent to a HomeTeamNS member affected by the ransomware incident, the organisation said the data in the servers comprised the member’s name, car plate and in-vehicle unit number, as well as membership expiry date.
The e-mail, which was sent on March 3 and signed off by a HomeTeamNS data protection officer, said the ransomware attack was discovered during the troubleshooting of a network issue, and promised further updates if there are significant developments.
HomeTeamNS added in its statement that it is working closely with its cyber-security experts, the police and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore as it deals with the cyber attack.
“The protection of our stakeholders’ personal data is of utmost importance to HomeTeamNS,” it said.
Aqil Hamzah is a journalist covering breaking news at The Straits Times, with interests in crime and technology.
