Missouri Conservation Department Hit with Cyberattack
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has been hit by a cyberattack, leaving officials scrambling to determine the scope of the breach. The agency, which oversees hunting and fishing permits in Missouri, announced the attack on Friday and has since activated its Incident Response Team to investigate.
Investigation Underway
A spokesman for MDC, Joe Jerek, confirmed that cybersecurity teams are working to gain more insight into the scope of the suspicious activity. While an informal review of the agency's website found many pages working without obvious glitches, Jerek emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
Concerns Over Cybersecurity
The cyberattack comes on the heels of a 2022 audit that revealed several concerns over MDC's cybersecurity practices. The report found that the department did not always remove accounts of terminated users and did not consistently enforce a network security system requirement for user account password changes.
Statewide Impact
The Missouri Department of Conservation is a large agency with a budget exceeding $214 million and 1,790 employees. Its activities, including fishing and hunting permits, have a significant economic impact on the state, generating over $19 billion annually in revenue and supporting over 85,000 jobs.
Other State Cybersecurity Concerns
Missouri is not alone in facing cyberattack challenges. The state's lack of representation on the Missouri Cybersecurity Commission has raised concerns. The commission was formed in 2021 to identify risks and vulnerabilities facing state government in regard to computer hacking and other online attacks.
Recent Incidents
Ongoing cybersecurity incidents have highlighted the importance of strong computer security measures. Recent examples include:
* A major computer outage linked to an outside vendor affecting Missouri residents seeking to renew driver licenses and access food benefits. * An event that led Rhode Island to take down an online portal used by residents to obtain welfare benefits and health insurance, potentially compromising the personal information of thousands of people. * Hackers targeting the Post-Dispatch's parent company, Lee Enterprises, encrypting "critical applications" and stealing data.
Call to Action
The recent cyberattack on the Missouri Department of Conservation serves as a reminder of the importance of increasing our computer security measures. By taking proactive steps to protect ourselves and our personal information, we can reduce the risk of falling victim to these types of attacks.
Stay Informed
Want to stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics? Sign up for our newsletter and receive regular updates from Stringr.