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Carthage, TX warns residents of data breach that happened over a year ago
Taylor Hawes
February 27, 2026
⚡ Weekend Threat Brief
Carthage, TX warns residents of data breach that happened over a year ago
The City of Carthage, Texas confirmed it notified at least 5,868 individuals about a data breach that occurred in December 2024. According to disclosures filed with state attorneys general, 5,858 affected residents are in Texas, along with seven in Massachusetts and three in Maine. Additional states could report more victims. The exposed data may include names, Social Security numbers, financial account details, medical information, state-issued identification numbers, health insurance records, taxpayer ID numbers, and dates of birth.
A ransomware group known as Rhysida claimed responsibility in January 2025, listing Carthage on its leak site and pricing the stolen data at 5 bitcoin, valued at over $500,000 at the time. The group posted sample images of documents it alleged were taken from city government systems. Carthage officials have not confirmed Rhysida’s claim, and the method of intrusion, whether a ransom was paid, and the reason for the delay in notification remain unclear. The city stated that it identified potential unauthorized access on or about December 17, 2024, and that an unauthorized actor may have viewed or obtained certain files.
Takeaway:
Sensitive personal and financial data was potentially exposed, increasing risks of identity theft and fraud.
The breach disclosure came more than a year after the initial compromise, raising concerns about detection and reporting timelines.
Rhysida operates a ransomware-as-a-service model and has targeted government organizations repeatedly.
Public sector entities remain frequent ransomware targets, reinforcing the need for strong network monitoring and rapid incident response..
🎯 Tactical Playbook
Cisco Warns of Critical Bug Being Exploited in Large Networks
Cisco revealed that a critical security vulnerability in its widely used enterprise products has been actively exploited by attackers since 2023. The flaw allows unauthorized access to internal systems and could lead to widespread compromise of customer networks if not addressed. Cisco has published patches and guidance, urging organizations to update systems immediately and audit network activity for unusual behavior. The incident underscores the importance of rapid patch management and coordinated vulnerability disclosure. Enterprises that delay updates risk extended exposure to persistent threats.
Key Takeaway:
Critical vulnerabilities in enterprise network infrastructure can be exploited silently over long periods.
Regular patching and system updates are essential to reduce exposure.
Monitoring and threat hunting help identify earlier signs of compromise.
🛡️ Research Watch
Google Detects China Using Sheets to Launch Cyber Attacks
Google disclosed that a China-linked hacking group known as Gallium, also tracked as UNC2814, abused Google Cloud services to target hundreds of organizations. The attackers focused mainly on telecommunications firms and government agencies, using a malware tool called “Gridtide” hidden within seemingly legitimate Google Sheets activity to evade detection and extract sensitive data such as names, contact details, dates of birth, voter ID numbers, and Social Security numbers. Google said it disrupted the campaign before it expanded into 22 additional countries by blocking malicious cloud projects and dismantling key infrastructure. Security analysts noted similarities between Gallium and another China-linked group, Salt Typhoon, and warned that targeting telecom providers can enable broader surveillance of communications. The incident highlights how trusted cloud platforms can be misused for state-backed cyber espionage and reinforces the need for constant monitoring and rapid threat response..
🧩 Tool Tip of the Week
SuperOps
SuperOps is a cloud-based platform that combines professional services automation (PSA) and remote monitoring and management (RMM) in a single interface. Built for managed service providers and internal IT teams, it centralizes ticketing, asset management, monitoring, and billing. The platform supports policy-based automation, patch management, scripting, and real-time alerts, allowing teams to maintain visibility across endpoints without juggling multiple tools.
Key Features:
Combines PSA and RMM capabilities in one platform.
Supports automation for patching, scripting, and ticket workflows.
Provides centralized visibility into endpoints and assets.
Designed to reduce operational complexity for MSPs and IT departments.
🗣️ Community Signal
The cybersecurity industry will reach $311 billion globally in 2026 with technology products accounting for $106.4 billion and partner-led services almost doubling that at $204.8 billion. While products are growing at a healthy 11% this year, services will surpass that at 12.6% growth, with managed security services at 14.4% growth. Jay McBain.
🗳️ Your Take - The Results
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Until Monday’s edition - Let’s keep that zero-day count at zero!