Massachusetts has seen a sharp rise in cyber risk over the past few years, with the threat landscape evolving faster than many companies can keep up. In 2021 alone, more than 2,400 data breaches were reported, affecting nearly 7 million residents.
But the impact isn’t just about the number of people affected. The financial loss can be just as damaging, as seen in a 2023 case where a social engineering attack cost a local organization a staggering $6.4 million.
These figures are more than just numbers. They’re a wake-up call.
As attacks grow more sophisticated and costly, it’s clear that investing in stronger cybersecurity can no longer be delayed. It’s a critical step toward protecting the systems, people, and trust that businesses depend on every day.
5 Major Ransomware & Cyber-attacks in Boston
Reading about data breaches is not pleasant, but it’s the only way for individuals to truly understand what’s at stake. By looking at these ransomware and cyber-attacks, we can learn how cybercriminals work and what we can do to proactively mitigate the risks associated with them.
1. Boston University phishing & ransomware incident (2020)
In 2020, Boston University was indirectly impacted by a ransomware attack on one of its technology partners, Blackbaud, a cloud service provider widely used in higher education. While BU’s systems weren’t directly breached, the attackers accessed a file containing personal information related to BU alumni and donors.
This included:
- Demographic details
- Contact information
- Employment data
- Records of degrees earned or donations made
Thankfully, no credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, or bank account details were compromised.
Blackbaud chose to pay the ransom in exchange for assurances that the stolen data would be deleted and not misused. This incident highlights the risks that third-party vendors can pose to institutions and underscores the importance of extended cybersecurity awareness beyond internal systems.
2. Boston Public Library cyber-attack (2021)
In August 2021, the Boston Public Library (BPL) was hit by a ransomware attack that caused a widespread technical outage across its network. On the morning of August 25, library staff discovered the disruption, which immediately halted access to public computers, printing services, and several online resources used by patrons throughout the city. In response, BPL’s IT team took swift action, taking affected systems offline and isolating the threat to prevent further damage.
While the full scope of the attack’s impact wasn’t disclosed publicly, the incident disrupted essential services relied on by thousands of residents. This event serves as a reminder that public institutions, even those outside the private sector, are vulnerable to cyber threats.
3. Fallon Ambulance Service data breach (2022)
In one of Massachusetts’ most significant healthcare attacks, more than 900,000 individuals were affected by a data breach at Fallon Ambulance Service, a now-closed Boston-based provider.
Although Fallon ceased operations in late 2022, archived data remained stored on its systems and cybercriminals gained unauthorized access to those files between February and April 2023.
The stolen information included:
- Names and addresses
- Social Security and driver’s license numbers
- Medical records (COVID-19 test or vaccination data)
- Employment-related information
While Transformative Healthcare, Fallon’s parent company, did not specify the attack type, the Alphv/BlackCat ransomware group later claimed responsibility, stating it had stolen over a terabyte of sensitive data.
4. Point32Health’s Harvard Pilgrim ransomware attack (2023)
In 2023, Point32Health, the parent company of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, experienced a major ransomware attack that had widespread consequences. The breach exposed sensitive personal data belonging to approximately 2.86 million individuals across Massachusetts and neighboring states.
The compromised information included:
- Names and addresses
- Birth dates
- Social Security numbers
- Medical histories
- Financial details
The attack significantly disrupted systems used to serve members, providers, brokers, and accounts, affecting both commercial and Medicare Advantage Stride plans. Operations were halted for weeks as the organization worked to contain the breach and restore critical services.
5. Boston Children’s Hospital ransomware attack (2024)
In September 2024, Boston Children’s Health Physicians (BCHP), a pediatric network with offices in New York and Connecticut, became the target of a ransomware attack. The breach was first flagged by an IT vendor who noticed unusual activity within the system. Just days later, BCHP confirmed that parts of its network had been accessed without authorization, leading to the theft of sensitive files.
The compromised data included:
- Patient records and employee files
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license details
- Billing information
The BianLian ransomware group later claimed responsibility, alleging it had obtained a significant amount of internal data, including HR documents, emails, and even minors’ health records.
Thankfully, BCHP’s core electronic medical records were not impacted, as they were stored on a separate network. And in response, the organization launched a detailed investigation and strengthened its cybersecurity measures.
How Boston Firms Can Prevent Ransomware and Cyber-attacks
Cyberattacks in Boston have become more frequent, disruptive, and costly in recent years. But while the threat is real, so is the ability to prepare in advance and mitigate the risks. With the right combination of tools, awareness, and planning, organizations can strengthen their defenses and respond quickly when threats emerge.
Here are some key actions Boston-based companies should take to reduce their exposure and protect what matters most:
- Strengthen Password and Access Controls. Start with the basics, such as enforcing strong password policies and implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA). These layers of defense slow down attackers and make it significantly harder for them to access sensitive systems.
- Educate Your Team. People are often the first target when it comes to cyberattacks. Equip staff with regular training on phishing, social engineering, and suspicious activity. Social engineering simulations and awareness campaigns are proven ways to test readiness and reinforce good habits.
- Build and Test Your Incident Response Plan. Every organization needs a clear roadmap for what to do during a cyberattack. A well-practiced incident response plan can reduce damage, restore operations faster, and minimize downtime.
- Vet Third-Party Vendors. Many breaches happen through weak links in your supply chain. Conduct regular third-party risk assessments to ensure partners meet your cybersecurity standards before granting access to your systems.
- Conduct Regular Penetration Testing. Simulate real-world attacks to identify and patch vulnerabilities before criminals can exploit them. Ongoing pen testing in Boston helps you stay one step ahead of emerging threats.
- Adopt Expert-Led Cybersecurity Services. Work with a trusted cybersecurity provider who understands your industry and can tailor solutions to your risk profile. From proactive monitoring to compliance guidance, outside expertise can make all the difference.
The best way to handle cyberattacks is to stop them before they happen. Putting time and budget into security upfront almost always costs less than trying to clean up the damage after a breach.
Secure your Boston Operations with CyberGlobal
Cyber threats are getting smarter every year, but so are the solutions to stop them. At CyberGlobal Boston, we don’t just provide cybersecurity services, we partner with businesses to help them stay protected, prepared, and resilient.
Whether you’re a growing startup or a well-established enterprise, our cybersecurity services in Boston are built to meet your needs and scale with them as your business grows. From proactive penetration testing and 24/7 threat monitoring to compliance support and employee awareness training, we offer a full range of services designed to prevent attacks before they happen.
What truly sets us apart? It’s not just the tools we use, but the people behind them.
Our team of certified engineers brings deep experience and real-world expertise to every project. We work closely with you to understand your operations, identify your vulnerabilities, and strengthen your security posture where it matters most.
Boston businesses deserve more than just a vendor. You deserve a long-term partner in cybersecurity, one that’s ready to help you navigate digital threats.
