Ransomware attack on emergency information voice broadcast system: Outdoor loudspeakers and other equipment inched in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture - ITmedia NEWS

On November 12, the city of Koka, Shiga Prefecture, announced that the server of its audio broadcast system had been attacked by ransomware, causing the outdoor loudspeakers and audio broadcast terminals to become inoperable. Emergency information disseminated through these devices has also been halted, and emergency information will now be communicated through the city's official LINE, television, and radio. It is also investigating the possibility that the names of the individuals and the names of the businesses that have installed the audio broadcast terminals may have been leaked. The third-party operator, Aicomi Koka, which manages and operates both devices, announced the same content on the same day. Koka City's announcement Aicomi Koka's announcement The outdoor loudspeakers are installed at 229 locations within the city, and during normal times, they announce set times such as noon with a melody. In emergencies, they provide evacuation information along with the audio broadcast terminals. Outdoor loudspeakers (from Koka City's website) The audio broadcast terminals are devices that allow residents to listen to disaster prevention information, emergency information, and announcements from the city or local areas at home. They are installed free of charge in each household. Audio broadcast terminals (same as above) This time, the dissemination of emergency information using the audio broadcast terminals and outdoor loudspeakers, as well as information from wards and neighborhood associations, the melody broadcasts that flow at regular times from the outdoor loudspeakers, and the obituary information provided by Aicomi Koka has been stopped, and there is no indication of recovery. Emergency information will be communicated through the city's official LINE, official email "Aikoka Emergency Email," television, radio, and Shiga Prefecture's disaster prevention app. The city stated that it will reannounce the situation regarding information leaks and recovery prospects as soon as it becomes clear.