Rhode Island Social Services Portal Breached by Cybercriminals

A Rhode Island computer system for managing public benefits was breached by hackers who have threatened to release personal data unless they receive a payment.

The cybercriminal group obtained the sensitive data of state residents that may be exposed “as early as this coming week,” Governor Dan McKee said Saturday at a news conference. Deloitte is the state’s vendor to manage the system, according to the governor.

The portal, called RIBridges, is used for benefits including health coverage purchased through HealthSource RI, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Child Care Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. It’s ...