Denied Insurance Claim Fuels Accountability Push After Hamilton Cyberattack.
Hamilton city councilor’s are demanding answers and accountability after the city’s insurance claim for the devastating February 2024 cyberattack was denied. The bombshell news comes amidst mounting frustration over the slow pace of information, with councilor’s pressing city staff on Wednesday for a full report some 17 months after the incident.
During a heated meeting, Mayor Andrea Horwath and City Manager Marnie Cluckie faced intense scrutiny and calls for greater transparency regarding the aftermath of the cybersecurity breach that crippled city systems. The denial of the insurance claim poses a significant financial blow to Hamilton, potentially forcing taxpayers to shoulder the full cost of recovery and mitigation efforts. The specific reasons for the denial have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Councillors expressed exasperation over the protracted timeline for a comprehensive report, questioning why it has taken nearly a year and a half to provide clear answers to the public and elected officials. This prolonged silence, coupled with the critical lack of information, has fuelled growing concerns about the city’s ability to manage such crises and be transparent with its constituents.
In February 2024, Hamilton was struck by a sophisticated cyberattack that disrupted various municipal services. While city staff commendably contained the incident within 48 hours, the broader investigation continues to be plagued by critical unknowns. The identity of the cybercriminals behind the attack remains shrouded in mystery, with no new details emerging as of the Wednesday meeting. The perpetrators had demanded a staggering ransom of approximately $18.5 million.
Hamilton Police confirmed that their investigation into the cyberattack is ongoing. However, this assurance offers little comfort to councillors and residents who are still seeking clarity on who was responsible, how the breach occurred, and why the city’s insurance claim has been rejected.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the cyberattack, compounded by the significant financial implications of the denied insurance claim, leaves Hamilton residents with more questions than answers as the city grapples with the lingering effects of the 2024 breach.
