NORTH MIAMI, Fla. – North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme released a message to city residents on Sunday, informing them that a cyberattack that crippled city business was the result of “unauthorized access” to his personal Gmail account.
Hackers stole “sensitive personal information,” he said, and his passport, bank and credit card information, as well as “private images,” were “potentially compromised.”
“I want to emphasize that this violation involved my personal accounts, not those of the City of North Miami,” Desulme said. “While I have been briefed on the situation, I have yet to see or be able to verify the extent of the information that was compromised.”
Desulme said he has “taken immediate steps to protect and secure my personal data.”
He said North Miami City Hall will reopen for “limited services” Monday morning as city staff work “diligently” to bring city operations fully online.
“I remain fully committed to serving our community with transparency and dedication,” Desulme said. “The city is also committed to providing updates as more information becomes available and ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to protect the integrity of our systems and their impact.”
Federal authorities are aiding in the city’s investigation into the breach. It’s not clear if personal data from residents or city workers was leaked.
North Miami has set up a hotline for residents with questions. Residents can call 305-895-9804.
Read the message:
Dear North Miami Neighbors:
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the outpouring of calls, texts, and prayers I’ve received over the past few days. Your unwavering support means more to me than words can express.
Last Sunday, our city administration informed me of a serious cybersecurity incident that had affected the entire city and affected me personally. This incident, which targeted me as your mayor, resulted in unauthorized access to my personal Gmail accounts. As a result, sensitive personal information, including my passport details, bank statements, credit cards, and private images, were potentially compromised.
I want to emphasize that this violation involved my personal accounts, not those of the City of North Miami. While I have been briefed on the situation, I have yet to see or be able to verify the extent of the information that was compromised. Nevertheless, I have taken immediate steps to protect and secure my personal data.
While I have been affected by this incident, I remain fully committed to serving our community with transparency and dedication. The city is also committed to providing updates as more information becomes available and ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to protect the integrity of our systems and their impact.
We will reopen City Hall on Monday, August 12, 2024, during our regular business hours, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., with limited services. Our team has been working diligently to restore operations, and we deeply appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.
For more information, please visit our website at www.NorthMiamiFL.gov
North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme