GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Green Bay Police are investigating after a local business’s computer network was hacked and money and information were stolen.
“The end result of the activity is that there are a number of employees of a local company that do not have their paychecks.”
Police have not identified the business.
Investigators say the hackers used a known vulnerability to get into the company’s computer system.
“Their Human Resources or payroll software was compromised” Muraski said. “The hackers were able to go in and change the direct deposit information route the paycheck to the hacker, and made off with the paychecks that way.”
Investigators say the company that made the software knew about the vulnerability and made a security patch available last October.
Police say it is possible that the company did not update its computer system, but are not sure if that is the exact cause.
It is not known if this exploit is being attempted at other area businesses, put investiagators believe that the hacker is not from the area.
Police say incident demonstrates how vital it is to maintain public facing computer systems with the latest security patches from the server companies as cyber actors will attempt to use exploits as long as they are finding vulnerable systems.
Muraski says employers can take necessary steps to help protect themselves.
“Training employees not to click on suspicious links or emails”
Police say they will use all resources to track down the hackers and try to track down the missing paychecks. They say those who are victims should file a police report, which will make it an easier process for the banks federal insurance to work with the issue.
