Anchorage Police Department Responds to Cybersecurity Incident Involving Third-Party Vendor
The Anchorage Police Department (APD) is taking proactive measures following a reported cybersecurity incident linked to Whitebox Technologies, a firm involved in data migration for various agencies across the United States. This situation underscores the growing concerns surrounding third-party cyber vulnerabilities particularly affecting local government entities.
Incident Overview
On January 7, 2026, while preparing for an internal software system upgrade, the APD was alerted to a cybersecurity issue related to its third-party service provider, Whitebox Technologies. The company has not yet issued any public statements regarding the incident, leaving questions about the nature and extent of the issue.
No Evidence of Breach Detected
According to the APD, there are currently no signs that their systems were compromised, nor is there any evidence suggesting that sensitive departmental data was accessed. In a careful approach, the department has undertaken various precautionary measures aimed at minimizing risk and protecting its information.
“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that APD systems have been breached or that any internal data has been acquired by any unauthorized parties. We are actively monitoring our systems and putting in place protective protocols,” stated an official from the department.
The city of Anchorage, Alaska’s most populous urban area with around 300,000 residents, recognizes the importance of safeguarding public safety data and is committed to maintaining a secure environment for its citizens.
Immediate Response Actions
Upon receiving notification about the cybersecurity issue, the Information Technology Department (ITD) of Anchorage moved swiftly to contain potential threats. All relevant APD servers were temporarily shut down, and access for Whitebox Technologies, as well as all associated third-party service providers, was revoked.
Moreover, the ITD undertook the deletion and removal of any remaining APD data from Whitebox’s servers. This rigorous approach reflects a strong commitment to security, with ongoing monitoring of internal systems to detect any irregularities.
Further safeguarding efforts included notifying employees via email on the same day, encouraging them to stay vigilant and report any unusual system activities through established reporting channels.
Continued Investigation and Transparency
A thorough investigation is currently underway, led by Whitebox Technologies, with APD collaborating closely with other municipal departments to ensure an effective response. City officials have committed to providing updates if it becomes apparent that personal information has been accessed during the incident.
APD has been careful to clarify that this incident is unrelated to a recent outage experienced with the city’s 311 service, although further details about the nature of the cybersecurity event remain undisclosed.
Implications of Third-Party Risks
Whitebox Technologies has established partnerships with multiple agencies across various states, including Washington, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Maine. This incident reflects a broader trend where hackers increasingly target third-party service providers as a gateway into government systems. Such vendors often handle sensitive data, making them prime targets for cybercriminal activities.
Context of Recent Cyber Threats
The APD’s cybersecurity event occurs amid a wider wave of attacks on local government technology providers. Just last November, an incident involving Crisis24’s OnSolve CodeRED emergency alert system impacted local governments nationwide, potentially exposing user data. This incident was linked to the INC ransomware group, highlighting the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by municipalities.
Even as APD asserts that its systems remain secure, ongoing monitoring and protective measures are essential as the investigation unfolds. The department emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding public data and maintaining trust among its community.
