About a week following a cyberattack that incapacitated Bucks County’s computer-aided emergency dispatch system, officials announced on Friday that they identified the suspected culprit.
According to county authorities, the ransomware group “Akira” is believed to be responsible for the attack, which targeted a system crucial for dispatchers, call-takers, and 911 operators. The Department of Homeland Security describes this system as enabling the prioritization and recording of incident calls, identification of responders’ status and location, and efficient dispatch.
County officials have informed local, state, and federal partners about the involvement of the ransomware group “Akira,” aiming to enhance situational awareness and prompt a review of their respective systems. Despite the ongoing investigation into the cyberattack, officials assured the public that all 911 phone and radio systems remain operational.
Akira is a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) group that initiated its operations in March 2023. The group has reportedly targeted various sectors, including finance, real estate, manufacturing, and healthcare. The Department emphasizes that Akira typically demands ransom payments in its cyberattacks.
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The cyberattack on Bucks County has caused significant damage, failing automated services that rely on the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. As a result, law enforcement officials are now facing difficulties accessing databases such as the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network and the National Crime Information Center. The absence of this critical system has made it challenging for them to perform their duties effectively.
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