PORTLAND, Ore. — A cybersecurity breach at the city of Portland led to a fraudulent$1.4 million transaction using city funds,according to the city of Portland.
Officials said the incident happened in late April.
The breach was discovered after the city flagged another fraudulent financial transaction attempt from the same account on May 17.
According to the city, preliminary evidence indicates that an unauthorized, outside entity gained access to a city of Portland email account.
Officials have notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Portland Police Bureau.
City officials said it would work closely with law enforcement, in addition to completing the internal investigation and taking any immediate actions identified to strengthen security.
“This incident demonstrates the growing threat of cyberattacks against individuals, businesses and communities worldwide. At the City of Portland, we have invested in technology and established policies to minimize that threat,” city officials wrote.
Officials are working to evaluate the extent of the breach and make sure that technology and policies are in place to prevent future threats.