Bucks County, PA identifies source of 911 center cyberattack

🔵The county computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system was targeted

🔵911 calls were not affected

🔵Officials did not disclose if a ransom demand was made

Bucks County officials say have identified the organization they believe is responsible for the cyber attack on the county emergency communications system.

A "cybersecurity incident" attack was first noticed a week ago when the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system used by dispatchers when they receive a call could not be accessed. Calls could be received and help sent but dispatchers had to use paper-and-pen to take information.

"The county has shared with its local, state and federal partners that the ransomware 'Akira' is involved so that they can have situational awareness and review their own systems," spokesman Eric Nagy said in a statement, adding that additional details would not be disclosed due to the ongoing investigation.

All 911 phone and radio systems remain operational, according to Nagy.

New organization

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Akira is a group that started operations in 2023. It has impacted 60 small-to-medium size businesses nationwide typically making ransomware demands between $200,000 and $4 million.

The New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) in August reported the group impacted "multiple industries" in the state but did not disclose their identities.

Capital Health, with locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey was hit by a ransomware attack in December but the identity of the responsible party was not disclosed by law enforcement or the hospital group.

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