Baltimore Gets Hacked: Main Computer Systems Crippled, Experts Estimate Months to Recover

On May 7, hackers breached parts of the computer systems that run Baltimore's government, taking down essential systems such as voice mail, email, a parking fines database, payment systems used for water bills, property taxes, real estate transactions and vehicle citations. The ransom demanded by hackers is about $100,000 worth of bitcoin. As of today, over two weeks from the breach, Baltimore City Mayor Jack Young said the city won't pay. Experts estimate months for the city to recover. The authorities have identified the malware behind the attack as "RobbinHood," a relatively new ransomware variant, according to a May 7 report from The Baltimore Sun. There have been more than 20 cyberattacks against municipalities in 2019 alone, according to NPR.