North Miami is currently grappling with the aftermath of a significant ransomware attack that has thrown City Hall into disarray for over a week. The breach forced the temporary closure of City Hall and severely disrupted various city operations. While the building has since reopened, many services remain limited, and the full extent of the breach is still unknown.

In a virtual executive session scheduled for Tuesday, councilmembers are expected to receive a briefing from the city manager, who has not yet disclosed detailed information about the incident.

The ransomware attack has compromised essential services bringing North Miami’s compliance with Florida’s stringent cybersecurity laws into sharp focus. Under Florida law, specifically the Florida Information Protection Act (FIPA) and related statutes, there are clear mandates on how public entities must respond to cyber incidents.

One of the key aspects of these laws is the prohibition against paying ransom demands. This provision is designed to discourage yielding to cybercriminals, which could otherwise incentivize further attacks.

Why It Matters: The ransomware attack on North Miami shows the vulnerability of local governments to cyber threats, bringing into question the security of vital infrastructure and the safety of sensitive data. The incident also emphasizes the difficulty of balancing cybersecurity legal requirements with the need to manage a crisis that disrupts public services and shakes residents’ trust in their local government.

• Ransomware Attack and City Response: A ransomware demand was discovered on North Miami City Hall computers, leading to a shutdown of the building and severe disruptions to city services. The city manager has delayed sharing detailed information with council members, contributing to ongoing uncertainty.

• Limited Services and Ongoing Disruptions: Despite the reopening of City Hall, services remain limited. Police dispatch has reverted to using walkie-talkies, and online payments are still unavailable. The investigation continues as several city services remain offline or disrupted.

• Concerns Over Compliance with Cybersecurity Laws: Florida’s cybersecurity law prohibits ransom payments and mandates specific responses to breaches. It’s unclear if North Miami has met these legal obligations, adding another layer of complexity to the recovery process.

• Ongoing Federal Investigation: Federal agents are working alongside city staff to determine the source of the breach and evaluate the damage. The full impact of the attack remains uncertain, and the path to full recovery is still unfolding.

Go Deeper -> North Miami Councilman talks about cyberattack: ‘City is being extorted’ – Local 10

Still few answers ahead of North Miami meeting on cyberattack – Local10