BlackCat Attempts to Intimidate Hampton-Newport News CSB; Widespread Criticism Ensues.

So, I was just minding my own business, having my usual cup of tea when an interesting story came up. This tale involves the Hampton-Newport News Community Service Board that was recently rocked by scandal.

Now, this chap called AlphV, with the audacity of a rowdy footy fan, bragged about nicking over 800 GB of delicate information from the board. The cheeky bugger then turned around and demanded a right person to negotiate, threatening to spill all the sensitive data. He was certainly as blunt as an old knife on a chopping board.

“Have a chat and let’s sort it all out”, he said. “Otherwise, every one of your clients will realise you’ve let their personal information slip through your fingers, and they’ll know exactly how to drag you through the courts.” Pretty severe words, wouldn’t you say?

Now, the Hampton-Newport News CSB, being resilient and as stubborn as an old mule, didn’t give in to this bloke’s demands. So, by November 24, AlphV was less than pleased and sent a “last chance” message. He threatened to publish all their private data and send spam to their customers. This was a nasty bit of business, and AlphV, as cold as a British winter, even revealed screen-caps showing confidential assessment records on clients and private data on employees.

Curiously, I’m not entirely sure AlphV knows exactly what a community service board is. Or how it’s funded. Someone needs to inform him that this isn’t a big corporation with bags of money lying around. Most of these folks are funded by public means, for example, Medicaid-funded. I mean, where does AlphV think Hampton-Newport News is going to dig up the money to fulfil his demands, from under a stone?

I’ve got a message for AlphV, and it’s as straightforward as a London black cab’s route. Posting confidential psychological assessments of seriously disabled children doesn’t make you look good. It’s not cricket, mate. It’s not only damaging to the children, to their families, to the community service boards trying their best to help those who need it but it’s also damaging to AlphV’s reputation. That’s no way to conduct oneself, is it?

So AlphV, here’s a thought. Why not be the bigger person? Delete all the data, and perhaps consider making amends for the harm you’ve caused. I reckon that sounds like a fair play, don’t you? This world of healthcare and cybersecurity is challenging enough without adding to it, wouldn’t you agree? Well, troubles aside, time I got back to my cuppa.

by Parker Bytes