B-Alert temporarily down after cybersecurity incident
OnSolve CodeRED, the private system Biloxi uses for B-Alert traffic and weather advisories, was a victim of a cybersecurity breach, prompting a temporary pause to all B-Alert text message alerts.
“In an abundance of caution, we have decommissioned the OnSolve CodeRED platform,” said Ann Pickren, Senior Vice President of Customer Success with CodeRED. “Upon detection of potential vulnerabilities in our platform, we immediately suspended platform access, isolated affected systems, and engaged leading external cybersecurity experts to assist.”
Pickren is advising users who signed up for B-Alert to change their password if the same password was used for other personal or business accounts.
“An organized cybercriminal group has claimed responsibility . . . and law enforcement has been notified,” said Pickren. “While data appears to be published online, . . . we cannot confirm the scope or exact elements at this time.”
The breach was contained to the OnSolve CodeRED environment and did not impact any of its other systems or the new platform.
The B-Alert service remains offline while CodeRED works to transfer the city’s account to a new platform. The company is currently uploading its available backup data, which only extends to March 31. Because of this, users who enrolled in B-Alert after that date will need to sign up again once the system is restored.
In the meantime, traffic and road advisories are being sent out through the City of Biloxi Facebook page. Once B-Alert is restored, an announcement will be made on social media, online at biloxi.ms.us, and through B-Alert.
