Los Angeles Housing Authority hit by another ransomware attack

The Housing Authority of Los Angeles (HACLA) today confirmed it was the victim of a recent cyber attack.

HACLA replied to Comparitech’s questions with the following statement, “We’ve been by affected an attack on our IT network. As soon as we became aware of this, we hired external forensic IT specialists to help us investigate and respond appropriately. Our systems remain operational, we’re taking expert advice, and we remain committed to delivering important services for low income and vulnerable people in Los Angeles.”

Ransomware gang Cactus claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it stole 861 GB of data from the Authority. HACLA has not verified Cactus’ claim.

We do not yet know what, if any, personal data was compromised, how attackers breached HACLA’s network, or how much Cactus demanded in ransom.

This is the second successful ransomware attack on HACLA in recent memory. In December 2022, ransomware gang LockBit attacked HACLA (PDF).

Who is Cactus?

Cactus ransomware first surfaced in March 2023. Since then, Comparitech logged 37 confirmed ransomware attacks claimed by Cactus, affecting more than 228,500 records. Cactus claimed another 139 attacks that were not acknowledged by victims.

Some of Cactus’ biggest attacks include those on Americold Logistics (129,611 records breached in April 2023) and Asbury Automotive Group (41,571 records breached in December 2023).

HACLA was Cactus’ first confirmed attack on a government target.

Ransomware attacks on US government

Ransomware attacks on government agencies can disrupt day-to-day operations and render computer systems useless until a ransom is paid for a key to restore them. Most ransomware attacks also steal data before encrypting it, which gangs then use to extort more money from victims under the threat of selling or publishing victims’ personal info.

Comparitech researchers tracked 72 confirmed ransomware attacks on US government agencies in 2024, affecting 345,333 records. Other recently confirmed attacks include those on the Delaware Division of Libraries; Ulster, NY; Arkansas City, AR; Richardson, TX; Wayne County, MI; and the Superior Court of California in Sonoma County.

About HACLA

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) is a state-chartered public housing authority that provides the largest stock of affordable housing in Los Angeles. Its annual budget is more than $1 billion, owns more than 13,000 units, and has housed more than 200,000 people.