An Ohio National Guard unit created to investigate cybersecurity breaches in the state has completed its investigation into a recent ransomware attack on the city of Columbus.
“Our report is complete, they have the report,” said Vice Commander Duane Powell of the Ohio National Guard Cyber Reserve, a group of 178 volunteers with cybersecurity experience.
Powell declined to comment further on the contents of the report to ABC 6 and referred to the city of Columbus.
ABC 6 has asked the city administration for a copy of the report and is now awaiting a response.
The reservists were asked by Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther to take on a role after hackers stole more than a quarter of a million city files containing confidential and personal information of city employees and private citizens last month and then dumped that data on the dark web.
The Volunteer Reserve Unit was created in 2019 by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to investigate cyberattacks and build a workforce for the future.
“We want to get the younger generation interested in this field and educate them so that they know this is a worthwhile field for them,” said Deputy Commander Powell. “We need to hire more people who can respond and have that expertise.”
Over the past three years, three reserve teams across the state have investigated cyberattacks targeting three dozen governments, schools and critical infrastructure.
“We want to get rid of the perpetrators and at least give the organization in question some control,” said Vice Commander Powell.
While the Reserve does not comment on the investigations related to the city, it told us that most of the reports included recommendations to prevent further data breaches.
Members of the Cyber Reserve told ABC 6 they are always looking for more volunteers with at least five years of cybersecurity experience to join their 178-member team currently working to stop cyber fraudsters in the Buckeyes State.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t live to see the early days of kids playing pranks in the basement,” said Deputy Commander Powell. “They’re all organized, they’re all funded, they’re here to get the weakest link.”
If you are interested in joining the Cyber Reserve or are looking for more information, click here.
