Understanding the Update on the CodeRED Emergency Notification System in Cambridge
The City of Cambridge recently communicated critical information regarding the OnSolve CodeRED emergency notifications system, which functions as the city’s reverse 911 service. This system, relied upon by thousands of governmental and public safety agencies nationwide, was temporarily deactivated following a significant cyberattack on OnSolve CodeRED last November.
Residents who depend on CodeRED alerts for updates on snow emergencies, evacuations, water outages, and other service interruptions are urged to take immediate steps to secure their accounts and ensure they continue to receive timely notifications.
Impact of the CodeRED Cyberattack
Data Breach Overview
City officials have confirmed that the cyberattack on the OnSolve CodeRED platform has impacted user data not only in Cambridge but across the country. Compromised information may include sensitive details such as phone numbers, email addresses, and user passwords. It is crucial to note that this attack focused specifically on the OnSolve system and not on the City of Cambridge or its departments.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within cybersecurity frameworks, drawing parallels to a similar breach experienced recently in Monroe County, Georgia. Officials there have also affirmed that the incident was part of a broader nationwide cybersecurity crisis, clarifying that it did not originate from local failures.
Transition to CodeRED by Crisis24
Migration to a Secure System
In a proactive response to the breach, OnSolve has permanently retired the original CodeRED platform and transitioned its services to a new, secure environment known as CodeRED by Crisis24. This new system has undergone extensive security audits, including penetration testing and rigorous system hardening, to bolster defenses against potential future threats.
For Cambridge residents, the data associated with previously registered accounts has been successfully migrated to the new platform. However, in the interest of security, all user passwords have been reset. This means that individuals must take action to establish new credentials before they can access their accounts.
Essential Steps for Residents
How to Reset Your CodeRED Account
Residents of Cambridge should follow these steps to ensure they continue receiving emergency notifications:
- Visit the Portal: Go to accountportal.onsolve.net/cambridgema.
- Enter Username: Input your username, which is typically your email address.
- Password Reset: Click on “forgot password” to verify your identity and set a new password.
- Retrieve Username: If you’re unable to remember your username, utilize the “forgot username” option.
Officials recommend against reusing old passwords, as they may have been compromised. Users are encouraged to create secure and unique passwords. Once logged in, residents should also take the opportunity to update their personal information.
Moreover, individuals who have used the same passwords across multiple accounts should immediately change those credentials to enhance their security posture.
Understanding the Broader National Context
Insights from the Monroe County Cyberattack
The occurrence of this cyberattack in Monroe County illustrates the widespread nature of the risks facing emergency alert systems. Officials in Monroe County confirmed that data such as names, addresses, and phone numbers were also compromised. For residents who registered before March 31, 2025, their information has been migrated to the Crisis24 CodeRED system. However, new registrants will need to enroll afresh.
While OnSolve has assured communities that the breach was limited to the original CodeRED system and that no identity theft has been reported, it highlights a concerning trend of increasing cybersecurity threats.
Resources for Cybersecurity Protection
Residents who suspect they may have fallen victim to cyber-related fraud should report incidents to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. In addition, various resources are available to assist individuals and families in protecting themselves against fraud and cybercrimes.
With the rise in cyberattacks, the importance of utilizing independent threat-intelligence providers has become apparent. Organizations like Cyble continue to monitor vulnerabilities and cybercriminal behavior globally, equipping entities with tools to improve their defenses and mitigate potential incidents.
Looking Ahead: Ensuring Community Safety
The City of Cambridge appreciates the understanding and patience of its residents during this transitional phase as staff members collaborate with OnSolve to restore emergency alert capabilities. Officials reiterated that any security breach is a serious matter and assured the public of their commitment to overseeing the new CodeRED by Crisis24 platform, ensuring its reliability.
Furthermore, the city is actively assessing other emergency alerting systems to identify the most effective long-term solutions for maintaining community safety.
As residents take these necessary steps to secure their accounts and stay informed, the overarching goal remains: to foster a safe and prepared community, equipped to respond effectively to emergencies.
