Definition
ATFS (Automatic Funds Transfer Services) is a payment system that facilitates secure money transfers and address verifications. Many US government agencies use it to bill and verify customers.
A cyberattack could be devastating and widespread since ATFS handles sensitive data (like credit card information and home addresses). In early 2021, it was attacked by ransomware.
Details of the AFTS Breach in 2021
A cybercriminal organization known as ‘Cuba ransomware’ implanted ransomware in the AFTS systems and stole a massive amount of data, crippling operations and bringing the entire website down.
The attackers took financial documents, balance sheets, correspondence with bank employees, and tax documents. They requested a ransom payment for the stolen information, which was allegedly paid.
Impact On Other Agencies
- The California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) used AFTS to validate address changes through the national database. The Cuba ransomware group obtained 20 months of California vehicle registration records containing names, addresses, license plate numbers, and vehicle identification numbers.
- Lakewood Water District in Washington reported the breach revealed names, addresses, water bill accounts, and billing amounts.
- The city of Redmond, Washington, warned that the attack compromised the names and addresses of their customers.