U.S. House’s e-mail vendor becomes the latest ransomware target

The latest company to join the ever-growing list of ransomware strikes in recent times is iConstituent, which provides email services for offices within Congress allowing users to connect with constituents.

Punchbowl News reported that at least 60 House offices of both parties couldn’t access constituent information after the attack. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Catherine Szpindor said that the impact on House data was yet to be assessed as purchasing the external email service was optional for the House offices.

“The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer was notified by iConstituent that their e-newsletter system was hit with a ransomware attack. iConstituent’s e-newsletter system is an external service available for House offices to purchase. At this time, the CAO is not aware of any impact to House data,” stated Szpindor.

Further, the CAO stated that it was coordinating with the impacted offices to take measures ensuring that the attack does not affect the House network and offices’ data as reported by Punchbowl News.

Over the last few months, the rising number of ransomware attacks has disrupted products and services that are key to everyday lives. This includes the attacks on dozens of government agencies, then Florida’s water supply, a major gas pipeline, and even on one of the world’s top meat suppliers.

Last week, the White House asked corporate leaders to start developing plans to counter ransomware attacks that affected key U.S. businesses, from Colonial Pipeline Co. to global meat producer JBS SA.

Picture Credits: Brittanica