Columbus attorneys reach permanent agreement with cybersecurity expert whistleblower – The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein’s Office and a cybersecurity whistleblower have reached a permanent agreement, extending an earlier preliminary injunction, over what the cybersecurity expert can share about the city’s data breach. Simultaneously, the city is dismissing its civil lawsuit against the specialist.
Columbus is still recovering from a cyber attack discovered in July that leaked citizens’ personal information on the dark web. In August, after Mayor Andrew Ginther said the stolen data was corrupted and likely unusable, David L. Ross Jr., who goes by Connor Goodwolf online, told several media outlets that wasn’t true. Ross downloaded leaked data and showed The Dispatch and other media the extent of the breach.
Soon after, Klein’s office sought to bar Ross from downloading and sharing leaked data.
Klein announced this new agreement Friday. According to Klein’s office, the new permanent injunction will still bar Ross from sharing any of the city’s stolen data publicly but allow him to “maintain a dialogue with the City regarding the breach.”
Klein’s office said this agreement — like the Aug. 29 temporary restraining order and Sept. 11 preliminary injunction — allows Ross to “discuss or describe what kinds of data were exposed, including to members of the media.”
“During this crisis, our priority has been to keep the best interest of residents, victims, police officers, and all those impacted at heart,” Klein said in a released statement. “While I remain concerned about anyone having access to this sensitive data, conversations with Mr. Ross have been positive, and all parties have agreed to move forward with an agreement that continues to prevent the dissemination of information, such as confidential law enforcement records, while protecting free speech.”
Klein said his office is prepared to take legal action against anyone who shares information that puts the lives of residents and law enforcement at risk.
According to a copy of the permanent injunction, Ross is allowed to share city data with the Columbus Division of Police if city attorneys allow him to and any data city attorneys agree is subject to Ohio’s public records law.
Ross did not immediately return a phone call Friday asking for comment.
jlaird@dispatch.com
@LairdWrites
source
This article was autogenerated from a news feed from CDO TIMES selected high quality news and research sources. There was no editorial review conducted beyond that by CDO TIMES staff. Need help with any of the topics in our articles? Schedule your free CDO TIMES Tech Navigator call today to stay ahead of the curve and gain insider advantages to propel your business!
Columbus is still recovering from a cyber attack discovered in July that leaked citizens’ personal information on the dark web. In August, after Mayor Andrew Ginther said the stolen data was corrupted and likely unusable, David L. Ross Jr., who goes by Connor Goodwolf online, told several media outlets that wasn’t true. Ross downloaded leaked data and showed The Dispatch and other media the extent of the breach.
Soon after, Klein’s office sought to bar Ross from downloading and sharing leaked data.
Klein announced this new agreement Friday. According to Klein’s office, the new permanent injunction will still bar Ross from sharing any of the city’s stolen data publicly but allow him to “maintain a dialogue with the City regarding the breach.”
Klein’s office said this agreement — like the Aug. 29 temporary restraining order and Sept. 11 preliminary injunction — allows Ross to “discuss or describe what kinds of data were exposed, including to members of the media.”
“During this crisis, our priority has been to keep the best interest of residents, victims, police officers, and all those impacted at heart,” Klein said in a released statement. “While I remain concerned about anyone having access to this sensitive data, conversations with Mr. Ross have been positive, and all parties have agreed to move forward with an agreement that continues to prevent the dissemination of information, such as confidential law enforcement records, while protecting free speech.”
Klein said his office is prepared to take legal action against anyone who shares information that puts the lives of residents and law enforcement at risk.
According to a copy of the permanent injunction, Ross is allowed to share city data with the Columbus Division of Police if city attorneys allow him to and any data city attorneys agree is subject to Ohio’s public records law.
Ross did not immediately return a phone call Friday asking for comment.
jlaird@dispatch.com
@LairdWrites
source
This article was autogenerated from a news feed from CDO TIMES selected high quality news and research sources. There was no editorial review conducted beyond that by CDO TIMES staff. Need help with any of the topics in our articles? Schedule your free CDO TIMES Tech Navigator call today to stay ahead of the curve and gain insider advantages to propel your business!
