Hackers demanded a ransom for the stolen documents.
Bloomberg reported that the Treasury Department of the U.S. state of California was subjected to a cyberattack.
About 76 GB of data were stolen, which include financial information, information about internal proceedings of the department, and confidential data of the department's employees.
The group LockBit was involved in the cyberattack. The hackers demanded a ransom to be paid by December 24. If California authorities do not comply, all of the stolen data will be made public.
The California Cybersecurity Center assured that public funds have not been compromised and that the Treasury Department is continuing its work.
LockBit reportedly appeared in 2019. The group's malware is constantly being updated and improved. The group gained popularity in 2021. Now LockBit is a major player among cybercriminals. They use an extortion strategy.