PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Some Rhode Island residents are expressing outrage following a cybersecurity breach that compromised sensitive data within the state’s benefit services system.
The breach, which affected the Rhode Island Bridges system, exposed personal information such as addresses and bank account details.
“I think it’s pretty crazy and scary,” said resident David Lovett.
Lovett said his daughter relies on the state aid.
“She’s not sickly, but she needs help with her health,” he said.
Lovett said the announcement Friday night was concerning.
“How did the government allow for a hacker to have access to information like that? They’re a joke. Cuz how do you do that, that’s everyone’s information—how do you do that for real?”
The breach has left many worried about the security of their personal information and the potential financial impact.
“You have these people who are already struggling, and their information, things like bank account, is out there,” he said. “What if the small amount of money they have in their account is gone the next morning?”
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about cybersecurity and the protection of sensitive data in state systems.
“There’s so much going on in the cyber world that we have no control over,” Lovett said.
NBC 10’s Erin Coogan contributed to this report.